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
He waited, tremulous with expectation, watching the thin scrannel throat out of which rose a voice to which the ear became attuned quickly and was gratified as by a welcome dissonance.
From The Brook Kerith A Syrian story by Moore, George (George Augustus)
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 Davidson, John
Well, then, before Hyagnis the majority of musicians could do no more than the shepherds or cowherds of Vergil who Made sorry strains on pipes of scrannel straw.
From The Apologia and Florida of Apuleius of Madaura by Butler, Harold Edgeworth
Thereupon arose, on all sides, the most terrific uproar of laughter, from voices like those of children in volume, but scrannel and harsh as those of decrepit age, though, unfortunately, without its weakness.
From Phantastes, a Faerie Romance for Men and Women by MacDonald, George
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.
