scrannel
Americanadjective
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thin or slight.
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squeaky or unmelodious.
adjective
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thin
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harsh
Etymology
Origin of scrannel
First recorded in 1630–40; origin uncertain
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.
That no orchestra lurks behind the backdrop is clearly demonstrated when Mr. Stokowski raises his baton and the scrannel strains of the violin and cello tremble, quite unsupported, in the hostile air.
From Time Magazine Archive
The shell they struck gave a more melodious sound than the rough and scrannel pipe cut from the northern forests.
From Amenities of Literature Consisting of Sketches and Characters of English Literature by Isaac Disraeli
The conjurer started backwards like a man who receives a mortal wound: the two little figures uttered a thin scrannel shriek apiece, and then slunk out of existence.
From Leading Articles on Various Subjects by John Davidson
Send us no groats nor scrannel seed nor rye, But good fat ears of grain, Which shall endure our strain, And be of sturdy stuff.
From Renaissance in Italy: Italian Literature Part 1 (of 2) by John Addington Symonds
The north-easter flashed in the white cataracts of his eyes and woke a feeble activity in his scrannel limbs.
From At a Winter's Fire by Bernard Edward Joseph Capes
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
