— crustily , adv. — crustiness , n.
/krus"tee/ , adj., crustier, crustiest .
1. having a crisp or thick crust: a loaf of crusty French bread.
2. of the nature of or resembling a crust.
3. harsh; surly; rude: a crusty remark.
[ 1350-1400; ME; see CRUST, -Y 1 ]
Syn. 3. testy, prickly, touchy; curt, brusque.