1. Bad-tempered, unfriendly, rude, and somewhat threatening: The surly or gruff mannerisms of the waiter resulted in Tom and Sherry not leaving a tip when they paid for their meal.

The neighborhood children were afraid of the surly or unfriendly storekeeper, Mr. Evans.

2. Originally, "sirly", "sirlike"; such as, assuming "lordly airs": Joe, the actor, entered the room, striking a surly pose for the photographers.
3. Etymology: an alteration of Middle English sirly, "lordly, imperious"; formed from sir, "in the sense of lord". © ALL rights are reserved.

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