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
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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 Harold Edgeworth Butler
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 Hamilton Wright Mabie
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 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
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