Attern

Origin

From Middle English attern, from Old English ǣtren ("poisoned, poisonous, venomous"), from Proto-Germanic *aitrinaz ("poisonous"), equivalent to atter + -en. Cognate with Middle High German eiterin ("poisonous"). More at atter.

Full definition of attern

Adjective

1. (UK dialectal) Venomous; poisonous.
2. (UK dialectal, of people) Cruel; fierce; ill-natured.

Derived terms

• attern-temper