SURLY

PRONUNCIATION: (SUHR-lee)

MEANING: adjective:
1. Rude; sullen; unfriendly.
2. Ominous or dismal (used for weather, clouds, sky, ocean, etc.).

ETYMOLOGY: In the beginning the word meant lordly or majestic. Surly is an alteration of sirly, from sir, shortening of sire, from Old French sire, from Latin senior (older man), from senex (old). Ultimately from the Indo-European root sen- (old), which is also the ancestor of senate, senile, senectitude, and senescence. Earliest documented use: 1566.
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SKURLY - droning, like a bagpipes

SUERLY - plaintiffly

SUR LYS - over the Lily (compare sub rosa - under the Rose)