Sounding cross and abusive (4)
I believe the answer is:
rude
'abusive' is the definition.
(rude can mean abusive or insulting)
'sounding cross' is the wordplay.
'sounding' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'cross' becomes 'rood' (term for a crucifix).
'rood' sounds like 'RUDE'.
'and' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for rude that I've seen before include "'Bad-mannered, discourteous (4)'" , "Coarse or discourteous" , "Unmannerly" , "Impolite, without consideration" , "Impudent" .)