harridan

[ hahr-i-dn ]

noun

1. a scolding, vicious woman; hag; shrew.

   Synonyms: scold, virago, nag

harridan

/ ˈhærɪdən /

noun

1. a scolding old woman; nag

Word History and Origins

Origin of harridan¹

1690–1700; perhaps alteration of French haridelle thin, worn-out horse, large, gaunt woman (compared with the initial element of haras stud farm, though derivation is unclear)

Word History and Origins

Origin of harridan¹

C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to French haridelle, literally: broken-down horse; of obscure origin

Example Sentences

On Bates Motel, Vera Farmiga masterfully transforms a would-be harridan into a new kind of protagonist: the sensual hysteric.

From The Daily Beast

Our latest cartoonish harridan is neither saint nor monster.

From The Daily Beast

She was suddenly convinced there was no reason to play Martha as harridan.

From The Daily Beast

He stood in front of the virtuous harridan, his lips working, his fingers convulsively clutching the air.

From Project Gutenberg

Commerce in this instance is depicted as a dissolute harridan, deep sunk in gin.

From Project Gutenberg

Charles listened dully as the curse was droned, nor was he surprised when the harridan fell, blasted by it.

From Project Gutenberg

She had been quite sure that the offer was about to be made when that odious old harridan had come in and disturbed everything.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not necessary to be a prude or a skinny old harridan either, to inveigh against the custom.

From Project Gutenberg