adjective
or on·ery or or·na·ry ˈȯrn(ə)rē, ˈȯ(ə)n-, ˈän-, -ri
( often -er/-est )
Etymology: alteration of ordinary
1. chiefly dialect
a. : of inferior quality : common
b. : lazy , shiftless
2.
a. : having a touchy disposition : inclined to be short-tempered : cantankerous
he's been ornery all day
the sorrel was an ornery cuss and threw anybody that tried to ride him
b. : independent and individualistic sometimes to the point of seeming eccentric
Yankees are an ornery lot, but they're all right at heart
Synonyms: see contrary