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

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

Lavinia's winsome face, her eyes half tender, half alluring, her pretty mouth with not an atom of ill nature in its curves, her sympathetic voice, at once attracted the audience.

From Madame Flirt A Romance of 'The Beggar's Opera' by Pearce, Charles Edward

About the truth of this it is not necessary to trouble; in such things, and indeed in many others that ill nature floats, there is generally sufficient to give a colouring.

From The Life of a Celebrated Buccaneer A Page of Past History for the Use of the Children of To-day by Clynton, Richard

There was not even a hint of gossip about it, nor of ill nature.

From The High Calling by Sheldon, Charles Monroe