Main Entry: sur·ly

Pronunciation: \ˈsər-lē\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): sur·li·er; sur·li·est

Etymology: alteration of Middle English serreli lordly, imperious, probably from sire, ser sire

Date: 1523

1 : menacing or threatening in appearance <surly weather>
2 obsolete : arrogant, imperious
3 : irritably sullen and churlish in mood or manner : crabbed

synonyms see sullen

— sur·li·ly \-lə-lē\ adverb

— sur·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun

— surly adverb