Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CHURL, n. [Sax. ceorl; D. kaerel; G. kerl; Dan. karl. It signifies primarily, a man, or rather a male, for it was applied to other animals, as a carl-cat, a male cat; and males are named from their strength, or the sex implies it; hence, carl-hemp denoted strong hemp. Huscarla, a house-carl, or servant; buscarla, a ship's-cart. See Spelman. Hence the name, Charles, Carolus.]

1. A rude, surly, ill-bred man. – Sidney.
2. A rustic; a countryman, or laborer. – Dryden.
3. A miser; a niggard. – Is. xxxii.