PERVERSE, adjective pervers'. [Latin 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.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI