vexatious

Etymology

a 1650 vexation +‎ -ous

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /vɛkˈseɪʃəs/
• Rhymes: -eɪʃəs

Adjective

vexatious (comparative more vexatious, superlative most vexatious)

1. Causing vexation or annoyance; teasing; troublesome.
2. (archaic) Full of trouble or disquiet

   Synonyms: harassed, distressed, annoyed, vexed

   • Sir K. Digby

     He leads a vexatious life.

3. (law, of an action) Commenced for the purpose of giving trouble, without due cause.

   a vexatious lawsuit

4. (law, of a party or entity) In the habit of starting vexatious litigation and therefore liable to have restraints placed on one's ability to access the courts.

   a vexatious litigant

References

• vexatious in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
• vexatious in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913