crosspatch

[kraws-pach, kros-]

noun

Informal.

1. a bad-tempered or irritable person.

crosspatch

/ ˈkrɒsˌpætʃ /

noun

1. informal,  a peevish bad-tempered person

Word History and Origins

Origin of crosspatch¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; cross- + patch ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of crosspatch¹

C18: from _cross + obsolete patch fool

Example Sentences

“There! She promised I should go next time, for this is the last ice we shall have. But it’s no use to ask such a crosspatch to take me.”

Read more on Literature

But her charm assault is formidable, and it’s not long before this former crosspatch is bestowing kooky gifts, like whimsical bumblebee legwear, upon his lady love.

Read more on Time

And I'm a regular crosspatch, I am, at times—and never a curse do I get—you're not like other women.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

‘A youthful crosspatch’: John Simm as Hamlet at the Crucible, Sheffield.

Read more on The Guardian

I am conscious of having been something of a crosspatch this week, so allow me to finish by applauding BBC4 for its North of England stuff.

Read more on The Guardian