Grocott & Ward, comps. Grocott’s Familiar Quotations, 6th ed. 189-?.
Cantankerous
Well, now, that’s mighty provoking! But I hope, Mr. Faulkland, as there are three of us come on purpose for the game, you won’t be so cantankerous as to spoil the party by sitting out.
Sheridan.—The Rivals, Act V. Scene 3.
[The same word will be found in “The Waterman,” by Dibdin, Act II. Scene 3.]