Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SCOLD, v.i. [D. schelden; G. schelten; Dan: skielder, rail, to scold; Sw. skalla, to sound or ring; skallra, to snap or crack; skålla, to bark, to scold. It seems to be formed on the root of G. schelle, a bell, a jingle, a box on the ear; schellen, schallen, to ring; D. schel, schellen. If s is a prefix, this word coincides with call, and Sax. galan, to sing, gyllan, gielan, to yell.]

To find fault or rail with rude clamor; to brawl; to utter railing or harsh, rude, boisterous rebuke; with at; as, to scold at a servant. A scolding tongue, a scolding wife, a scolding husband, a scolding master, who can endure? Pardon me, 'tis the first time that ever / I'm forc'd to scold. – Shak.