— orneriness , n.
/awr"neuh ree/ , adj., ornerier, orneriest . Dial.
1. ugly and unpleasant in disposition or temper: No one can get along with my ornery cousin.
2. stubborn: I can't do a thing with that ornery mule.
3. low or vile.
4. inferior or common; ordinary.
[ 1790-1800; contr. of ORDINARY ]
Syn. 1. mean, ill-tempered, ill-natured, surly, testy.