rantankerous
/ranˈtaŋk(ə)rəs/US informal and regional (chiefly southern ). Now rare
adjective
Ill-tempered, quarrelsome, ‘ornery’; = cantankerous.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in James Kirke Paulding (1778–1860). Alteration of cantankerous, probably after either rancorous or rant.