Etymology:
1398, from Fr. irascible (12c.), from L.L. irascibilis, from L. irasci "grow angry," from ira "anger" (see ire).
"O bury the hatchet, irascible Red,
For peace is a blessing," the White Man said.
The Savage concurred, and that weapon interred,
With imposing rites, in the White Man's head.
John Lukkus
~~Ambrose Bierce (1842 - 1914), The Devil's Dictionary