ill nature

American  

noun

1. unkindly or unpleasant disposition.

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Etymology

Origin of ill nature

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ill nature

This wrestling has cost the Castigator ill nature, megalomania, nervous breakdowns and the creatures of his forced moods are far less credible, as contemporary humanity, than Hogarth's Gin Alleyites, Swift's Anglo-Lilliputs or even Dante's infernals.

From Time Magazine Archive

Thus did he make himself unhappy; and believing that all were disposed to criticise his Lucy, he showed ill nature in return.

From The Betrothed From the Italian of Alessandro Manzoni by Manzoni, Alessandro

Be slow, therefore, to impute bad marks to injustice, or ill nature.

From In the School-Room Chapters in the Philosophy of Education by Hart, John S. (John Seely)

A bad temper, ill nature, jealousy, will ruin the most beautiful face ever created.

From Pushing to the Front by Marden, Orison Swett

It’s now twa month that I’m your debtor For your braw, nameless, dateless letter, Abusin’ me for harsh ill nature On holy men, While deil a hair yoursel’ ye’re better, But mair profane.

From The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence. With a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical by Allan Cunningham by Burns, Robert