grimalkin

[ gri-mal-kin, -mawl- ]

noun

1. a cat.
2. an old female cat.
3. an ill-tempered old woman.

grimalkin

/ ɡrɪˈmælkɪn; -ˈmɔːl- /

noun

1. an old cat, esp an old female cat
2. a crotchety or shrewish old woman

Word History and Origins

Origin of grimalkin¹

1595–1605; apparently alteration of gray ¹ + malkin, diminutive of Maud proper name; -kin

Word History and Origins

Origin of grimalkin¹

C17: from grey + malkin

Example Sentences

Poor Grimalkin is caught with the nuts in his claws, and will have something to bear in addition to the pain of the burning!

From Project Gutenberg

One of the kittens, mewing plaintively, crawled to Grimalkin, and thrust its minute pink nose into his side.

From Project Gutenberg

Grimalkin often caught and ate beetles, but to-night he did not look at them, but wandered restlessly about the room.

From Project Gutenberg

No sooner was his back turned than Grimalkin slipped across the yard and approached circumspectly.

From Project Gutenberg

Had it been a tom-cat who had leaped at his game, Grimalkin's paw would speedily have buffeted his ears.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• kitten
• kitty