Surly

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈsɜːli/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(r)li

Origin

Sixteenth-century alteration of sirly, from sir + -ly.

Full definition of surly

Adjective

1. (obsolete) Lordly, arrogant, supercilious.
2. Irritated, bad-tempered, unfriendly.
3. Threatening, menacing, gloomy.The surly weather put us all in a bad mood.

Adverb

1. (obsolete) In an arrogant or supercilious manner.
• 1623, William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, I.iii,Against the Capitol I met a lion
  Who glazed upon me, and went surly