2 entries under this word

Urchin

Ur'chin, n.

noun

n. [O. Eng. urchone, hirchen, Fr. hérisson, O. Fr. ericon, ireçon, Pr. erisson, Sp. erizo, Pg. ericio, ouriço, It. riccio, from Lat. ericius, equivalent to erinaceus.]

  1. A hedgehog.
  2. A mischievous elf supposed sometimes to take the form of a hedgehog. “Like urchins, ouphes, and fairies.” Shak.
  3. A child; a pert or rough little fellow. [Jocose.] “Who's blind now, mamma?” the urchin cried. Prior.

You did indeed dissemble, you urchin you; but where's the girl that won't dissemble for a husband? Goldsmith.

Ur'chin, a.

adjective

a. Rough; pricking; piercing. [Rare.] “Urchin blasts.” Milton.