sour (n.)

sour (v.)

Every white will have its blacke,

And every sweet its soure.

Thomas Percy (1728-1811): Reliques of Ancient Poetry. Sir Cauline.

The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge.

Old Testament: Ezekiel xviii. 2; (Jeremiah xxxi. 29.)

He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one;

Exceeding wise, fair-spoken, and persuading;

Lofty and sour to them that loved him not,

But to those men that sought him sweet as summer.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): King Henry VIII. Act iv. Sc. 2.

One writ with me in sour misfortune's book.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Romeo and Juliet. Act v. Sc. 3.

Of which, if thou be a severe, sour-complexioned man, then I here disallow thee to be a competent judge.

Izaak Walton (1593-1683): The Complete Angler. Author's Preface.