Scowl (skoul), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Scowled (skould); p. pr. & vb. n.Scowling.] [Akin to Dan. skule; cf. Icel. skolla to skulk, LG. schulen to hide one's self, D. schuilen, G. schielen to squint, Dan. skele, Sw. skela, AS. sceolh squinting. Cf. Skulk.] 1. To wrinkle the brows, as in frowning or displeasure; to put on a frowning look; to look sour, sullen, severe, or angry.
She scowled and frowned with froward countenance. Spenser.
2. Hence, to look gloomy, dark, or threatening; to lower. “The scowling heavens.” Thomson.