The Collaborative International Dictionary
Crossgrained \Cross"grained\ (-gr?nd`), a.
-
Having the grain or fibers run diagonally, or more or less transversely and irregularly, so as to interfere with splitting or planing.
If the stuff proves crossgrained, . . . then you must turn your stuff to plane it the contrary way.
--Moxon. -
Perverse; untractable; contrary; difficult to deal with.
Syn: balky, contrarious.
She was none of your crossgrained, termagant, scolding jades.
--Arbuthnot.
Wiktionary
a. (alternative form of cross-grained English)
Usage examples of "crossgrained".
It was an oblong thing, very light, and comprising several layers of crossgrained wood.
I am certainly more fearful, jumpy and crossgrained, and these are the badges of civilization today.