harridan

[ hahr-i-dn ]
See synonyms for harridan on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a scolding, vicious woman; hag; shrew.

Origin of harridan

1
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)

Other words for harridan

Words Nearby harridan

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use harridan in a sentence

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

    The Syndic | C.M. Kornbluth
  • She had been quite sure that the offer was about to be made when that odious old harridan had come in and disturbed everything.

    The Eustace Diamonds | Anthony Trollope
  • It is not necessary to be a prude or a skinny old harridan either, to inveigh against the custom.

British Dictionary definitions for harridan

harridan

/ (ˈhærɪdən) /


noun
  1. a scolding old woman; nag

Origin of harridan

1
C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to French haridelle, literally: broken-down horse; of obscure origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012