harridan
English
Etymology
Perhaps a modification of (deprecated template usage) [etyl] French haridelle (“old horse, nag”).
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈhæɹ.ɪ.dən/
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "US" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈhæɹ.ɪ.dən/, /ˈhɛɹ.ɪ.dən/
Audio (US): (file)
Noun
harridan (plural harridans)
- A vicious and scolding woman, especially an older one.
- Synonyms: see Thesaurus:shrew
- 1848, William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair, Chapter 13:
- Why is that tattling old harridan, Peggy O'Dowd, to make free with my name at her d—d supper-table, and advertise my engagement over the three kingdoms?
Translations
vicious and scolding woman
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