Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Surly
Sur′ly
(sûr′ly̆)
, Adj.
[
Com
par.
Surlier
(sûr′lĭ-ẽr)
; sup
erl.
Surliest
.] 1.
Arrogant; haughty.
[Obs.]
Cotgrave.
2.
Gloomily morose; ill-natured, abrupt, and rude; severe; sour; crabbed; rough; sullen; gloomy;
“That surly spirit, melancholy.” as, a
. surly
groom; a surly
dog; surly
language; a surly
lookShak.
3.
Rough; dark; tempestuous.
Now softened into joy the
surly
storm. Thomson.
Webster 1828 Edition
Surly
SUR'LY
, a.1.
Gloomily morose; crabbed; snarling; sternly sour; rough; cross and rude; as a surly groom; a surly dog. That surly spirit, melancholy.
2.
Rough; dark; tempestuous. Now soften'd into joy the surly storm.
Definition 2024
surly
surly
English
Adjective
surly (comparative surlier, superlative surliest)
- (obsolete) Lordly, arrogant, supercilious.
- Irritated, bad-tempered, unfriendly.
- Threatening, menacing, gloomy.
- The surly weather put us all in a bad mood.
Translations
(obsolete) lordly, arrogant, supercilious
|
irritated, bad-tempered, unfriendly
|
threatening, menacing, gloomy
|
Adverb
surly (comparative surlier, superlative surliest)
- (obsolete) In an arrogant or supercilious manner.
- 1623, William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, I.iii,
- Against the Capitol I met a lion / Who glazed upon me, and went surly
- 1623, William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, I.iii,