frownful

English

Etymology

From frown +‎ -ful.

Adjective

frownful (comparative more frownful, superlative most frownful)

1. Frowning; scowling
   • 1843, John Holland, The Psalmists of Britain:

     He tow'rd the wicked bends the frownful face, / He from the land will blot the lingering race; [...]

   • 1873, Edgar Fawcett, chapter XV, in Purple and Fine Linen. A Novel., New York, N.Y.: G. W. Carleton & Co., […]; London: S[ampson] Low, Son & Co., page 173:

     How, then, can I account for his serene angerless conduct during dinner? Henry's presence in the dining-room might have prevented him from keeping frownful silence, but he would not have made that a reason for cheerful spirits.

Derived terms

• frownfully
• frownfulness