In popular language, any insect of the genus Vespa; chiefly applied to V. vulgaris, the Common Wasp, and such other species as are not readily…

(a contemptuous term for) a hot-tempered person.

(figurative of a person)

figurative. A thing or person likened to a tinder-box, esp. as being very ‘inflammable’ or a source of heated strife.

figurative with reference to a person who is easily aroused to action or emotion; esp. a person who is hot-tempered, irascible, or impetuous. In…

figurative. A person supposed to resemble a Tartar in disposition; a rough and violent or irritable and intractable person.

A name or nickname for: a person who is quick-tempered or of an impetuous disposition; a person who makes a swift departure after committing a theft…

One whose temper is fiery; an irascible, passionate, or quick-tempered person.

A person of a violent temper.

A fiery, hot-tempered, or irritable person.

figurative. A hot-tempered person. Now rare.

A person of stormy temper.

A person who or thing which inflames or enlivens; a hot-tempered person.

U.S. A hot-tempered person, esp. one with ginger hair. Obsolete. rare.

figurative. A hot-tempered person.

= spitfire, n. 3.

= spitfire, n. 3.

U.S. A person whose anger mounts slowly, esp. someone whose fury is intense when it arises.

colloquial. A feisty, energetic, or quick-tempered person. Cf. ball of fire, n. 2b.

U.S. A short-tempered or excessively outspoken person.