from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Crossgrained \Cross"grained\ (-gr?nd`), a.
1. Having the grain or fibers run diagonally, or more or less
transversely and irregularly, so as to interfere with
splitting or planing.
[1913 Webster]
If the stuff proves crossgrained, . . . then you
must turn your stuff to plane it the contrary way.
--Moxon.
[1913 Webster]
2. Perverse; untractable; contrary; difficult to deal with.
Syn: balky, contrarious.
[1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5]
She was none of your crossgrained, termagant,
scolding jades. --Arbuthnot.
[1913 Webster]