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

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

Effie saw the glance, and ashamed of her ill nature said, 'Oh it is such a good story, Harry! but if you can't go to Mrs Gilman's, why not send a servant?'

From Effie Maurice Or What do I Love Best by Forester, Fanny

It was a part of her unexpectedness that she took the heavy literal view of Nick's behaviour; declared frankly, though without ill nature, that she had no patience with his mistake.

From The Tragic Muse by James, Henry

This kind of rude jesting was an evidence not only of an ill nature, but a dull one.

From Henry Esmond; The English Humourists; The Four Georges by Saintsbury, George

But John Ball was used to his father's ill nature, and never answered it.

From Miss Mackenzie by Trollope, Anthony