adj.
Pronunciation: ' s ə r-l ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: sur · li · er ; -est
Etymology: alteration of Middle English serreli lordly, imperious, probably from sire, ser sire
Date: 1523
1 : menacing or threatening in appearance < surly weather>
2 obsolete : ARROGANT , IMPERIOUS
3 : irritably sullen and churlish in mood or manner : CRABBED
synonyms see SULLEN
– sur · li · ly \ -l ə -l ē \ adverb
– sur · li · ness \ -l ē -n ə s \ noun
– surly adverb