GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Surly (sûrly̆), a. [Compar. Surlier (sûrlĭẽr); superl. Surliest.] [Probably from sir, and originally meaning, sirlike, i.e., proud. See Sir, and Like, a.]
   1. Arrogant; haughty. [Obs.]  Cotgrave.
   
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   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.
   
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   3. Rough; dark; tempestuous.
   
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   Now softened into joy the surly storm. Thomson.
   
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