harridan

noun har·ri·dan \ˈher-ə-dən, ˈha-rə-\

: an angry and unpleasant woman

Full Definition of HARRIDAN

: shrew 2

See harridan defined for English-language learners

perhaps modification of French haridelle old horse, gaunt woman

First Known Use: 1678

Synonyms: battle-ax (or battle-axe), dragon lady, fury, harpy, shrew, termagant, virago, vixen

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