Sur"ly (?), a. [Compar. Surlier (?); superl. Surliest.] [Probably from sir, and originally meaning, sirlike, i.e., proud. See Sir, and Like, a.] 1. Arrogant; haughty. [Obs.]
Cotgrave.
2. Gloomily morose; ill-natured, abrupt, and rude; severe; sour; crabbed; rough; sullen; gloomy; as, a surly groom; a surly dog; surly language; a surly look. "That surly spirit, melancholy."
Shak.
3. Rough; dark; tempestuous.
Now softened into joy the surly storm.
Thomson.
© Webster 1913. | 
