Surly | 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Rough; dark; tempestuous. [ 1913 Webster ] Now softened into joy the surly storm. Thomson. [ 1913 Webster ] |