currish

[ kur-ish ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a cur.
2. curlike; snarling; quarrelsome.
3. contemptible; base.

currish

/ ˈkɜːrɪʃ /

adjective

1. of or like a cur; rude or bad-tempered

Derived Forms

• ˈcurrishly, adverb
• ˈcurrishness, noun

Other Words From

• currish·ly adverb
• currish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of currish¹

First recorded in 1425–75, currish is from the late Middle English word kuresshe. See cur, -ish ¹

Example Sentences

A lank, ugly cur, of unassignable breed, but unmistakably currish—a rank, unmitigated cur, with melancholy visage and moist eyes—returned the look.

From Project Gutenberg

As one well-fed dog is sure to be snarlish to a poorer brother—poor human nature—this currish principle is but too true when applied to us.

From Project Gutenberg

All ferocity suddenly died out, leaving only alarm, a desperate, currish terror.

From Project Gutenberg

"The lives of all that faithful be, This good day, will I spare; But wo betide or kings or boors, That currish Christians are!"

From Project Gutenberg

O people currish, churlish as their seas— He rejoices he leaves them, never to return till “rocks shall turn to rivers.”

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abhorrent
• abominable
• disgusting
• hateful
• odious
• vile
• worthless