harridan
[hahr-i-dn]
- a scolding, vicious woman; hag; shrew.
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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)
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for harridan
Contemporary Examples
She was suddenly convinced there was no reason to play Martha as harridan.
Historical Examples
I see—old offenders; oh, your humble servant, Mrs. Harridan!
The Adventures of Roderick RandomTobias Smollett
Ye did not see her, nor know ye if she is old or young, harridan or angel.
The Fair GodLew Wallace
I have been all my days a dead hand at a harridan, I never saw the one yet that could resist me.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 23 (of 25)Robert Louis Stevenson
Though he did call Lady Eardham a harridan, he resolved that he would keep his promise for the following morning.
Ralph the HeirAnthony Trollope
She was undeniably impressive, almost formidable, he conceded privately, with a touch of the shrew and harridan.
A Traveler in TimeAugust Derleth
harridan
- a scolding old woman; nag
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Word Origin
C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to French haridelle, literally: broken-down horse; of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for harridan
n.
1700, "one that is half Whore, half Bawd" ["Dictionary of the Canting Crew"]; "a decayed strumpet" [Johnson], probably from French haridelle "a poore tit, or leane ill-favored jade," [Cotgrave, 1611], in French from 16c., of unknown origin.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper