surliest

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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Surly \Sur"ly\ (s[^u]r"l[y^]), a. [Compar. Surlier (s[^u]r"l[i^]*[~e]r); 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]
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