common scold

noun

1. (in early common law) a habitually rude and brawling woman whose conduct was subject to punishment as a public nuisance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of common scold¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Alice Sheltoir, charged with being a common scold—to the thew.

From Project Gutenberg

He was made to order for the position of common scold in a country sewing-circle.

From Project Gutenberg

Conviction of a common scold, Sept. 11, 1821; sentence not reported.

From Project Gutenberg

Another woman was carried round, a distaff in her hand and a blue hood on her head, for a common scold.

From Project Gutenberg

At home she might make herself a common scold, might be pestiferously officious and more than pestiferously noisy.

From Project Gutenberg