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.