perverseness

It follows, that the desire to be well must be excited simultaneously with any principle which shall be merely a modification of combativeness, but in the case of that something which I term perverseness, the desire to be well is not only aroused, but a strongly antagonistical sentiment exists.

The Imp of the Perverse 1845

It follows, that the desire to be well must be excited simultaneously with any principle which shall be merely a modification of combativeness, but in the case of that something which I term perverseness, the desire to be well is not only not aroused, but a strongly antagonistical sentiment exists.

The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 2 Edgar Allan Poe 1829

Note, Those that are faithless will be perverse; and perverseness is sin in its worst colours.

Commentary on the Whole Bible Volume V (Matthew to John) 1721

But there still clung to her what I fear we must call a perverseness of obstinacy, a desire to maintain the resolution she had made -- a wish that she might be allowed to undergo the punishment she had deserved.

Can You Forgive Her? 1993

But there still clung to her what I fear we must call a perverseness of obstinacy,

Can you forgive her? 1864

I fear we must call a perverseness of obstinacy, a desire to maintain the resolution she had made, -- a wish that she might be allowed to undergo the punishment she had deserved.

Can You Forgive Her? Anthony Trollope 1848

Induction, a posteriori, would have brought phrenology to admit, as an innate and primitive principle of human action, a paradoxical something, which we may call perverseness, for want of a more characteristic term.

The Imp of the Perverse 1845

Induction, a posteriori, would have brought phrenology to admit, as an innate and primitive principle of human action, a paradoxical something, which we may call perverseness, for want of a more characteristic term.

The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 2 Edgar Allan Poe 1829

But, with the perverseness which is often seen among women, who are but fools at best, though made to be loved, she had placed her affections upon a youth, who had distinguished himself by no valiant deeds in war, nor even by industry or dexterity in the chase.

Traditions of the North American Indians, Vol. 2 (of 3) James Athearn Jones

With the perverseness which is often seen among women, she had placed her affections upon a youth who had distinguished himself by no valiant deeds in war, nor by industry or dexterity in the chase.

Folk-Lore and Legends: North American Indian Anonymous