scrannel

American  

[skran-l] / ˈskræn l /

adjective

Archaic.

1. thin or slight.

2. squeaky or unmelodious.

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scrannel British  

/ ˈskrænəl /

adjective

1. thin

2. harsh

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Etymology

Origin of scrannel

First recorded in 1630–40; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

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

Bare and scrannel The trees droop, where the crows sit in a row With beaks agape.

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 2 by Mabie, Hamilton Wright

The scrannel pipes of those who have worn themselves out by their moral fastings, till they have become flat and pale like starved vermin infesting a long-deserted bed, will never reach my ear.

From The Home and the World by Tagore, Rabindranath

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 Symonds, John Addington

These lines are certainly less amazing than the scrannel piping of his usual anap�sts; but few will hold them to be 'of their own arduous fullness reverent'!

From A Book of Irish Verse Selected from modern writers with an introduction and notes by W. B. Yeats by Yeats, W. B. (William Butler)