churlish

English

WOTD – 19 October 2007

Etymology

From Middle English churlysshe, cherlissh, from late Old English ċeorlisċ, ċierlisċ (of or pertaining to churls), equivalent to churl + -ish.

Pronunciation

  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈtʃɜːlɪʃ/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈtʃɝːlɪʃ/
  • (file)
  • (file)
  • Rhymes: -ɜː(r)lɪʃ

Adjective

churlish (comparative more churlish, superlative most churlish)

  1. Of or pertaining to a serf, peasant, or rustic.
    • 1996, Jeet Heer, Gravitas, Autumn 1996
      [...] the eloquence and truth of his tribute stands in marked contrast to Kramer's churlish caricature of Kael as a happy pig wallowing in the dirt.
  2. Rude, surly, ungracious. [from late 14th c.]
  3. Stingy or grudging.
  4. (of soil) Difficult to till, lacking pliancy; unmanageable
    • 1730–1774, Oliver Goldsmith, Introductory to Switzerland
      Where the bleak Swiss their stormy mansion tread,
      And force a churlish soil for scanty bread.

Synonyms

Translations

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