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>2obsolete : arrogant, imperious3: 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