despitefulness

Let us examine him with despitefulness and torture, that we may know his meekness, and prove his patience.

"This misanthrope's despitefulness against bad verses was copied from me; Moliere himself confessed as much to me many a time," wrote Boileau one day.

She showed no semblance of despitefulness, but made covenant and promise with the Duke to keep the matter close, saying that should she repeat his tale he might hang her from a tree.

The Duchess felt such wrath and despitefulness at this, that—without any leasing—she rose from the table, and making pretence of sudden sickness, went to lie upon her bed, where she found little softness.

Wis 2:19 Let us examine him with despitefulness and torture, that we may know his meekness, and prove his patience.