churl
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churl

noun \ˈchər(-ə)l\

Definition of CHURL

1
: ceorl
2
: a medieval peasant
4
a : a rude ill-bred person
b : a stingy morose person

Examples of CHURL

  1. <as far as he was concerned, anyone from outside the city was a backwater churl>
  2. <don't bother asking for donations at that house—the churl who lives there believes that charity begins and ends at home>

Origin of CHURL

Middle English, from Old English ceorl man, ceorl; akin to Old Norse karl man, husband
First Known Use: before 12th century

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