| source : web1913 |
Surly \Sur"ly\, a. [Compar. {Surlier}; superl. {Surliest}.]
[Probably from sir, and originally meaning, sirlike, i.e.,
proud. See {Sir}, and {Like}, a.]
1. Arrogant; haughty. [Obs.] --Cotgrave.
2. Gloomily morose; ill-natured, abrupt, and rude; severe;
sour; crabbed; rough; sullen; gloomy; as, a surly groom; a
surly dog; surly language; a surly look. ``That surly
spirit, melancholy.'' --Shak.
3. Rough; dark; tempestuous.
Now softened into joy the surly storm. --Thomson.
| source : wn |
surly
adj : inclined to anger or bad feelings with overtones of menace;
"a surly waiter"; "an ugly frame of mind" [syn: {ugly}]