Surly \Sur"ly\, a. [Compar. Surlier; superl. Surliest.]

[Probably from sir, and originally meaning, sirlike, i.e., proud. See Sir, and Like, a.]

1. Arrogant; haughty. [Obs.]

--Cotgrave.

2. Gloomily morose; ill-natured, abrupt, and rude; severe; sour; crabbed; rough; sullen; gloomy; as, a surly groom; a surly dog; surly language; a surly look. ``That surly spirit, melancholy.'' --Shak.

3. Rough; dark; tempestuous.

Now softened into joy the surly storm. --Thomson.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)