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
Her upcoming had been supervised by a grimalkin governess who drew around the form of her young charge the awful circle of exclusiveness, intercourse with child-kind being strictly prohibited.
From Our Next-Door Neighbors by Belle Kanaris Maniates
Dame Gudhan speedily followed grimalkin, tottering along on a stick, and muttering to herself, chewing her rage as a horse champs the bit.
From Trevethlan: (Vol 2 of 3) A Cornish Story. by William Davy Watson
Surely," said I, "surely that is a grimalkin at my lattice.
From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, August 23, 1890 by Various
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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