KJV Dictionary Definition: perverse

perverse

PERVERSE, a. pervers'. L. perversus. See Pervert.

1. Literally, turned aside; hence, distorted from the right.

2. Obstinate in the wrong; disposed to be contrary; stubborn; untractable.

To so perverse a sex all grace is vain.

3. Cross; petulant; peevish; disposed to cross and vex.

I'll frown and be perverse, and say thee nay.

perversely

PERVERSELY, adv. pervers'ly. With intent to vex; crossly; peevishly; obstinately in the wrong.

perverseness

PERVERSENESS, n. pervers'ness. Disposition to cross or vex; untractableness; crossness of temper; a disposition uncomplying, unaccommodating or acting in opposition to what is proper or what is desired by others.

Her whom he wishes most, shall seldom gain

Through her perverseness.

1. Perversion. Not used.

perversion

PERVER'SION, n. L. perversus. The act of perverting; a turning from truth or propriety; a diverting from the true intent or object; change to something worse. We speak of the perversion of the laws, when they are misinterpreted or misapplied; a perversion of reason, when it is misemployed; a perversion of Scripture, when it is willfully misinterpreted or misapplied, &c.

perversity

PERVERS'ITY, n. Perverseness; crossness; disposition to thwart or cross.

perversive

PERVERS'IVE, a. Tending to pervert or corrupt.

Definitions from Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.
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