\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.