Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Perverse \Per*verse"\, a. [L. perversus turned the wrong way,
   not right, p. p. of pervertereto turn around, to overturn:
   cf. F. pervers. See {Pervert}.]
   1. Turned aside; hence, specifically, turned away from the
      right; willfully erring; wicked; perverted.

            The only righteous in a word perverse. --Milton.

   2. Obstinate in the wrong; stubborn; intractable; hence,
      wayward; vexing; contrary.

            To so perverse a sex all grace is vain. --Dryden.

   Syn: Froward; untoward; wayward; stubborn; ungovernable;
        intractable; cross; petulant; vexatious.

   Usage: {Perverse}, {Froward}. One who is froward is
          capricious, and reluctant to obey. One who is perverse
          has a settled obstinacy of will, and likes or dislikes
          by the rule of contradiction to the will of others.

Source : WordNet®

perverse
     adj 1: marked by a disposition to oppose and contradict; "took
            perverse satisfaction in foiling her plans"
     2: resistant to guidance or discipline; "Mary Mary quite
        contrary"; "an obstinate child with a violent temper"; "a
        perverse mood"; "wayward behavior" [syn: {contrary}, {obstinate},
         {wayward}]
     3: marked by immorality; deviating from what is considered
        right or proper or good; "depraved criminals"; "a
        perverted sense of loyalty"; "the reprobate conduct of a
        gambling aristocrat" [syn: {depraved}, {immoral}, {perverted},
         {reprobate}]