cross-tempered

The Lieutenant – Colonel of the regiment, an old cross-tempered martinet, did not choose to indulge the Captain (such was now the rank of Middlemas) in this humour.

The Surgeon's Daughter 2008

The female is most cross-tempered just after parturition, the male during the time of pairing; for instance, stallions at this period bite one another, throw their riders, and chase them.

The History of Animals 2002

The Adrian hens are small-sized, but they lay every day; they are cross-tempered, and often kill their chickens; they are of all colours.

The History of Animals 2002

It is in consequence about this time cross-tempered to its own young.

The History of Animals 2002

In all connected with the rearing of the young the female parent is more cross-tempered than the male, as is the case with most animals after parturition.

The History of Animals 2002

The male camel also is cross-tempered at pairing time if either a man or a camel comes near him; as for a horse, a camel is ready to fight him at any time.

The History of Animals 2002

She would not be positive which mode was the best, but certain she was that the cure was perfect and permanent; she herself had been ugly and cross-tempered, and now she left her audience to judge of her character and appearance.

A Peep into Toorkisthhan Rollo Gillespie Burslem

Now the King's Son had a step-mother, and she was often cross-tempered, and that very morning he and she had vexed each other.

The King of Ireland's Son Padraic Colum 1926

If they were cross-tempered he might be kicked to death before he could escape.

Alcatraz Max Brand 1918

I sat for hours cross-legged, and cross-tempered, upon my silks meditating upon the queer freaks chance plays upon us poor devils of mortals.

A Princess of Mars 1912