Churl definition

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun churlone of which is labelled obsolete.

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Churl definition

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'churl. Send us feedback about these examples. Cearl, name of an early Mercian king mentioned by Bede. Accessed 3 Mar. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! See Definitions and Examples ». Log In. Synonyms of churl. Examples of churl in a Sentence. Word History. First Known Use.

In weakened use. Missing Letter A crossword with a twist Play.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary , it later came to mean the opposite of nobility and royalty , "a common person ". Says Chadwick : [2]. This meaning held through the 15th century, but by then the word had taken on negative overtones, meaning "a country person" and then "a low fellow". By the 19th century, a new and pejorative meaning arose, "one inclined to uncivil or loutish behaviour"—hence "churlish" cf. Agriculture was largely community-based and communal in open-field systems. This freedom was eventually eroded by the increase in power of feudal lords and the manorial system. In the North Germanic Scandinavian languages , the word Karl has the same root as churl and meant originally a "free man".

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "churl" can be used in various situations through the following examples! Trying to teach him manners is like casting pearls before swine; he's just a churl. Don't be fooled by his polite demeanor; he's a churl and a wolf in sheep's clothing. A 'churl' [churl] is an impolite and mean-spirited person, often characterized by rude or unkind behavior. It can also refer to a medieval peasant.

Churl definition

According to the Oxford English Dictionary , it later came to mean the opposite of nobility and royalty , "a common person ". Says Chadwick : [2]. This meaning held through the 15th century, but by then the word had taken on negative overtones, meaning "a country person" and then "a low fellow". By the 19th century, a new and pejorative meaning arose, "one inclined to uncivil or loutish behaviour"—hence "churlish" cf. Agriculture was largely community-based and communal in open-field systems. This freedom was eventually eroded by the increase in power of feudal lords and the manorial system. In the North Germanic Scandinavian languages , the word Karl has the same root as churl and meant originally a "free man". As " housecarl ", it came back to England. In German , Kerl is used to describe a somewhat rough and common man and is no longer in use as a synonym for a common soldier die langen Kerls [4] of King Frederick William I of Prussia. This story has been interpreted in the context of the proposed trifunctional hypothesis of Proto-Indo-European society.

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Frequently used contemptuously or affectionately. A detractor; a miser, haggler. A country person; an inexperienced or ignorant person. A term of contempt applied both to men and women. Applied opprobriously or contemptuously to a man: cf. In German , Kerl is used to describe a somewhat rough and common man and is no longer in use as a synonym for a common soldier die langen Kerls [4] of King Frederick William I of Prussia. Earliest known use Old English. English regional East Anglian. Hence later: a Dubliner, esp. Now Scottis …. As a term of reproach or contempt: a foolish, worthless, curmudgeonly, or otherwise contemptible person. In neutral or approving contexts: a man, a fellow. Thow hast ful grete care, Lest the cherl may fal out of the Mone.

Celebrating the occult and otherworldly just one day a year seems churlish and unwholesome, especially when the occult is around us every day. Christmas is a season of marvelous and mystical experiences, and maybe it seems churlish to let science and history intrude.

Used as a term of abuse. Select format to download citation. Metillius, the foule cherl , the swyn. Download as PDF Printable version. Oxford University Press. Traditional to English. An incompetent or undistinguished person. Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into churl, n. A person typically a…. Chiefly in willing tit cf.