pettish

[pet-ish] /ˈpɛt ɪʃ/
adjective
1.
petulantly peevish:
a pettish refusal.
Origin
1585-95; see pet2, -ish1
Related forms
pettishly, adverb
pettishness, noun
Examples from the web for pettish
  • For the last month or six weeks he has scarcely spoken to me but in the unmistakable language of a pettish anger.
  • He gave frequent displays of temper, discarded the orders of his own counsel, his voice became sharp and his manner pettish.
British Dictionary definitions for pettish

pettish

/ˈpɛtɪʃ/
adjective
1.
peevish; petulant: a pettish child
Derived Forms
pettishly, adverb
pettishness, noun
Word Origin
C16: from pet²
Word Origin and History for pettish
adj.

1550s, "impetuous," evidently from pet (n.2) in its "ill humor" sense + -ish. Meaning "peevish, easily annoyed" is from 1590s.

It has naturally been assoc. with PET sb.1, as being a characteristic habit of a "pet" or indulged and spoiled child; but the connexion of sense is not very clear or simple .... [OED]
Related: Pettishly; pettishness.