Churl (?), n. [AS. ceorl a freeman of the lowest rank, man, husband; akin to D. karel, kerel, G. kerl, Dan. & Sw. karl, Icel. karl, and to the E. proper name Charles (orig., man, male), and perh. to Skr. jara lover. Cf. Carl, Charles's Wain.]

1.

A rustic; a countryman or laborer.

"A peasant or churl."

Spenser.

Your rank is all reversed; let men of cloth Bow to the stalwart churls in overalls. Emerson.

2.

A rough, surly, ill-bred man; a boor.

A churl's courtesy rarely comes, but either for gain or falsehood. Sir P. Sidney.

3.

A selfish miser; an illiberal person; a niggard.

Like to some rich churl hoarding up his pelf. Drayton.

 

© Webster 1913.


Churl, a.

Churlish; rough; selfish.

[Obs.]

Ford.

 

© Webster 1913.

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