harridan
[ hahr-i-dn ]
/ ˈhɑr ɪ dn /
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noun
a scolding, vicious woman; hag; shrew.
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Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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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)
Words nearby harridan
Harpy, harpy eagle, harquebus, harquebusier, Harrer, harridan, harrier, Harriet, Harriman, Harrington, Harris
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for harridan
British Dictionary definitions for harridan
harridan
/ (ˈhærɪdən) /
noun
a scolding old woman; nag
Word Origin for harridan
C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to French haridelle, literally: broken-down horse; of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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