from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Intractable \In*tract"a*ble\, a. [L. intractabilis: cf. F.
intraitable, formerly also intractable. See {In-} not, and
{Tractable}.]
Not tractable; not easily governed, managed, or directed;
indisposed to be taught, disciplined, or tamed; violent;
stubborn; obstinate; refractory; as, an intractable child.
Syn: Stubborn; perverse; obstinate; refractory; cross;
unmanageable; unruly; headstrong; violent; ungovernable;
unteachable. -- {In*tract"a*ble*ness}, n. --
{In*tract"a*bly}, adv.
[1913 Webster]