common scold

American  

noun

1. (in early common law) a habitually rude and brawling woman whose conduct was subject to punishment as a public nuisance.

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Etymology

Origin of common scold

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

"He is not to be a common scold," he wrote in an opinion reprinted recently in the Atlantic.

From Time Magazine Archive

But, as always, Khrushchev on tour turned out to be part frolicking peasant, part common scold.

From Time Magazine Archive

Catherine Cairns was arrested as a common scold, clapped in jail to mend her talk.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the title role, Diana Sands is earth-bound but never God-intoxicated, more of a common scold than an uncommon saint.

From Time Magazine Archive

I'm here merely in the office of chaperon and common scold.

From The Iron Trail by Beach, Rex Ellingwood