scrannel

American  

[skran-l] / ˈskræn l /

adjective

Archaic.

1. thin or slight.

2. squeaky or unmelodious.

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scrannel British  

/ ˈskrænəl /

adjective

1. thin

2. harsh

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Etymology

Origin of scrannel

First recorded in 1630–40; origin uncertain

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

scrannel

That no orchestra lurks behind the backdrop is clearly demonstrated when Mr. Stokowski raises his baton and the scrannel strains of the violin and cello tremble, quite unsupported, in the hostile air.

From Time Magazine Archive

One cannot think of the two names together without calling to mind the "lean and flashy songs" and "scrannel pipes of wretched straw" in Lycidas.

From A Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 2 by A. H. (Arthur Henry) Bullen

Thereupon arose, on all sides, the most terrific uproar of laughter, from voices like those of children in volume, but scrannel and harsh as those of decrepit age, though, unfortunately, without its weakness.

From Phantastes, a Faerie Romance for Men and Women by George MacDonald

The north-easter flashed in the white cataracts of his eyes and woke a feeble activity in his scrannel limbs.

From At a Winter's Fire by Bernard Edward Joseph Capes

Well, then, before Hyagnis the majority of musicians could do no more than the shepherds or cowherds of Vergil who Made sorry strains on pipes of scrannel straw.

From The Apologia and Florida of Apuleius of Madaura by Harold Edgeworth Butler

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