From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Perverse \Per*verse"\ (p[~e]r*v[~e]rs"), a. [L. perversus turned
the wrong way, not right, p. p. of pervertereto turn around,
to overturn: cf. F. pervers. See Pervert.]
1. Turned aside; hence, specifically, turned away from the
right; willfully erring; wicked; perverted.
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The only righteous in a world perverse. --Milton.
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2. Obstinate in the wrong; stubborn; intractable; hence,
wayward; vexing; contrary.
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To so perverse a sex all grace is vain. --Dryden.
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Syn: Froward; untoward; wayward; stubborn; ungovernable;
intractable; cross; petulant; vexatious.
Usage: Perverse, Froward. One who is froward is
capricious, and reluctant to obey. One who is perverse
has a settled obstinacy of will, and likes or dislikes
by the rule of contradiction to the will of others.
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