grimalkin
Americannoun
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a cat.
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an old female cat.
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an ill-tempered old woman.
noun
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an old cat, esp an old female cat
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a crotchety or shrewish old woman
Etymology
Origin of grimalkin
1595–1605; apparently alteration of gray 1 + malkin, diminutive of Maud proper name; see -kin
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
One only of all Charles Cholerton's cats escaped; a smoky grimalkin, she came slinking from a fiery window, her eyes lit with warm red fury.
From Time Magazine Archive
Pinch its scut or bite its ears, and when it exclaims, "Miauw!" it is not a genuine rabbit, but a grimalkin in disguise.
From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 102, May 21, 1892 by Various
Lady Morgan tells a story of an "amiable and intelligent" grimalkin, which belonged to a young girl who was subject to epileptic fits.
From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 14, No. 401, November 28, 1829 by Various
The child, seeing grimalkin stalk stealthily into the room, points the finger and says “cat.”
From The Head Voice and Other Problems Practical Talks on Singing by D. A. (David Alva) Clippinger
Every knee was bent, every hand strewed flowers or poured incense, and grimalkin was treated in all respects as the god of the day.
From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 14, No. 398, November 14, 1829 by Various
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