ˈrestiv, -tēv also -təv adjective
Etymology: Middle English restife, restiffe stationary (of animals), refusing to go forward, resisting control, from Middle French restif, (from rester to remain, stop behind) + -if -ive — more at rest
1. archaic
a. : disposed to rest : inactive , sluggish
b. : standing firm : unwilling to yield or adjust : persistent , stubborn , inflexible
c. : stubbornly resisting control or guidance : obstinate in refusal : balky
2.
a. of a horse : high-spirited and unwilling to submit to discipline or to stand at ease : fractious
b. : marked by uneasiness and lack of quietness or attentive interest : fidgety
a restive crowd
Synonyms: see contrary