surly UK /ˈsɜːli/US /ˈsɝli/adjective 3adverb 1forms 2 adjective3 •Irritated, bad-tempered, unfriendly. •Threatening, menacing, gloomy.The surly weather put us all in a bad mood. •(no longer used) Lordly, arrogant, supercilious. adverb1 •(no longer used) In an arrogant or supercilious manner.Against the Capitol I met a lion / Who glazed upon me, and went surly by / Without annoying me […] — 1599 formssurlier · surliest
