ugly customer

With an oath the Count sprang towards me, and as our swords touched I knew I had to deal with an ugly customer.

He must have been a hard hitter if he boxed as he preachedwhat The Fancy would call an ugly customer.

He must have been a hard hitter if he boxed as he preached—what "the fancy" would call "an ugly customer."

In Parliament and out, he was a hornet—a good thing to let alone, and an ugly customer to stir up.

But if the fact brings any consolation, I may tell you that a sea-lion when irritated can be a very ugly customer.