/ ˈfrækʃəs; NAmE / adjective ( especially BrE )
1.
bad-tempered or easily upset, especially by small things
SYN irritable :
Children often get fractious and tearful when tired.
2.
( formal ) making trouble and complaining :
The six fractious republics are demanding autonomy.
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WORD ORIGIN
late 17th cent.: from fraction , probably on the pattern of the pair faction , factious .