pettish

comparative more pettish · superlative most pettish

1. informalBad-tempered; peevish.

   She drew a quick pettish breath of objection, writhing uneasily in her seat.

   1891, Thomas Hardy, Tess of the d'Urbervilles

   1 more example

   Indeed I would advise every single lady, if possible, to attend her inamorato, pretty frequently at the card table; and however genteel and agreeable his behaviour should be to herself, if he is hasty or pettish with any one else in company, she may depend on the same fate when once the knot is tied.

   1795, Joseph Addison, “An Essay on Card-playing”, in Interesting Anecdotes, Memoirs, Allegories, Essays, and Poetical Fragments; Tending to Amuse the Fancy, and Inculcate Morality, page 67