[coarse] adj coars.er ; coars.est [ME cors, perh. fr. course, n.] (14c) 1: of ordinary or inferior quality or value: common
2. a (1): composed of relatively large parts or particles "~ sand" (2): loose or rough in texture "~ cloth" b: adjusted or designed for heavy, fast, or less delicate work "a ~ saw with large teeth" c: not precise or detailed with respect to adjustment or discrimination
3: crude or unrefined in taste, manners, or language
4: harsh, raucous, or rough in tone
5. chiefly Brit: of or relating to coarse fish "~ fishing" -- coarse.ly adv -- coarse.ness n syn coarse, vulgar, gross, obscene, ribald mean offensive to good taste or morals. coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language "found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive". vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding "a loud vulgar belch". gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness "gross eating habits". obscene applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety esp. in sexual matters "obscene language not allowed on the air". ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent "entertained the campers with ribald folk songs".