Churl

(66), n. [A-S. ceorl, a freeman of the lowest rank, man, husband, D. karel, kerel, Dan. & Sw. karl, Ger. kerl, M. H. Ger. karl, O. H. Ger. charl.]

1Sense 1. A rustic; a countryman or laborer. “One of the baser sort, which they call churls.” “The life of a peasant, or churl.” Spenser.

2Sense 2. A rough, surly, ill-bred man.

A churl’s courtesy rarely comes, but either for gain or falsehood. Sidney.

3Sense 3. One who is illiberal or miserly; a niggard.

Like to some rich churl hoarding up his pelf. Drayton.