a. [ L. invidiosus, fr. invidia envy. See Envy, and cf. Envious. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Envious; malignant. [ Obs. ] Evelyn. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Worthy of envy; desirable; enviable. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Such a person appeareth in a far more honorable and invidious state than any prosperous man. Barrow. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Likely to or intended to incur or produce ill will, or to provoke envy or resentment; hateful; offensive; as, invidious distinctions. [ 1913 Webster ]

Agamemnon found it an invidious affair to give the preference to any one of the Grecian heroes. Broome.

-- In*vid"i*ous*ly, adv. -- In*vid"i*ous*ness, n.