peevishness

In order to have sunlight at home, it is not enough negatively to abstain from fault-finding and general peevishness.

"The police ought to stop it, I tell you," Willie insisted, with a peevishness that was like a dash of vinegar.

Pet, pet, n. a sudden fit of peevishness or slight passion: ill-humour.

If she were hard pressed she emitted a pathetic peevishness that rendered further argument impossible.

They must be chastised out of their peevishness and lashed into obedience .