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Definition of "churl" [churl]

  • A rude, boorish person. See Synonyms at boor. (noun)
  • A miserly person. (noun)
  • A ceorl. (noun)
  • A medieval English peasant. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "churl" in a sentence
  • "If he did, he would know that the word churl OE. ceorl m. is historically, and currently, loaded with class distinction."
  • "Ceorle (whence our word churl) was a countryman or artisan who was a freeman."
  • "But when what distinguishes the hero from the churl is the choice of obedience or disobedience, then it is open to anyone at any time to become either."