wayward Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite resistant to guidance or discipline
    obstinate; perverse; contrary.
    • Mary Mary quite contrary
    • an obstinate child with a violent temper
    • a perverse mood
    • wayward behavior

WordNet

Way"ward adjective
Etymology
OE. weiward, for aweiward, i. e., turned away. See Away, and -ward.
Definitions
  1. Taking one's own way; disobedient; froward; perverse; willful.
    My wife is in a wayward mood. Shak.
    Wayward beauty doth not fancy move. Fairfax.
    Wilt thou forgive the wayward thought? Keble.
    -- Way"ward*ly, adv. -- Way"ward*ness, n.

Webster 1913