Churl (?), n. [AS. ceorl a freeman of the lowest rank, man, husband; akin to D. karel, kerel, G. kerl, Dan. & Sw. karl, Icel. karl, and to the E. proper name Charles (orig., man, male), and perh. to Skr. jāra lover. Cf. Carl, Charles's Wain.] 1. A rustic; a countryman or laborer. “A peasant or churl.” Spenser.
Your rank is all reversed; let men of cloth
Bow to the stalwart churls in overalls.
Emerson.
2. A rough, surly, ill-bred man; a boor.
A churl's courtesy rarely comes, but either for gain or falsehood.
Sir P. Sidney.
3. A selfish miser; an illiberal person; a niggard.
Like to some rich churl hoarding up his pelf.
Drayton.