harridan

American  

[hahr-i-dn] / ˈhɑr ɪ dn /

noun

1. a scolding, vicious woman; hag; shrew.

   Synonyms:

   scold, virago, nag

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harridan British  

/ ˈhærɪdən /

noun

1. a scolding old woman; nag

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Etymology

Origin of harridan

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)

Explanation

You might call the old lady next door who yells at you to stay off her lawn a harridan. When you see the word harridan, think of the Wicked Witch of the West — a mean-tempered, sharp-tongued old woman. Calling an older, bossy woman a harridan is certainly not a compliment, although most harridans — aside from your strict old scold of an English teacher — probably won't be familiar with the somewhat obscure term. It comes from seventeenth century slang, probably stemming from the French word haridelle, or "old horse."

Example Sentences

So she founded Saint Harridan, which makes off-the-rack suits with sleek masculine looks for women and transmen.

From Washington Times • Jul. 28, 2014

In August, Saint Harridan plans to ship its first suits, which cost $695 to $840 and are made in the United States from Italian wool.

From New York Times • Jul. 10, 2013

She soon learned that she was not alone, and in 2012, Ms. Going started an online suit store, Saint Harridan, that specializes in classic men’s suits tailored for women.

From New York Times • Jul. 10, 2013

Unsure if there was enough interest in a company like Saint Harridan, Ms. Going used Kickstarter to test the waters and to raise the $87,000 she needed to meet the factory minimum.

From New York Times • Jul. 10, 2013

The nearest well was south and west of the Harridan, so they set off in that direction, the bells on their collars ringing merrily with every step.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin