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

He believed he knew there had been no betrayal by Seth, and therefore set down my behavior to ill nature, rather than disappointment because the plan had gone awry even before it was well begun.

From The Minute Boys of Boston by Otis, James

Dr. Swift had an odd blunt way that is mistaken by strangers for ill nature.

From Irish Wit and Humor Anecdote Biography of Swift, Curran, O'Leary and O'Connell by Anonymous

It was so obviously a matter of personal ill nature on the part of the captain in charge of the gate police that they realized it was not a subject for further discussion.

From Across Mongolian Plains A Naturalist's Account of China's 'Great Northwest' by Andrews, Roy Chapman

Mrs. Portal talked scandal herself and enjoyed it, but she didn't backbite, which is the difference between good and ill nature.

From Poppy The Story of a South African Girl by Stockley, Cynthia