beetle-browed (adj.)

mid-14c.; see beetle (v.).

Entries linking to beetle-browed

"project, overhang," apparently a Shakespearean back-formation (in "Hamlet," 1602) from bitelbrouwed "grim-browed, sullen" (mid-14c.), from bitel "sharp-edged, sharp" (c. 1200), probably a compound from Old English *bitol "biting, sharp" (related to bite (v.)), + brow, which in Middle English meant "eyebrow," not "forehead." Meaning "to overhang dangerously" (of cliffs, etc.) is from c. 1600. Related: Beetled; beetling.

Share beetle-browed

‘cite’

Page URL:

https://www.etymonline.com/word/beetle-browed

HTML Link:

<a href="https://www.etymonline.com/word/beetle-browed">Etymology of beetle-browed by etymonline</a>

APA style:

Harper, D. (n.d.). Etymology of beetle-browed. Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved $(datetime), from https://www.etymonline.com/word/beetle-browed

Chicago style:

Harper Douglas, “Etymology of beetle-browed,” Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed $(datetime), https://www.etymonline.com/word/beetle-browed.

MLA style:

Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of beetle-browed.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/beetle-browed. Accessed $(datetimeMla).

IEEE style:

D. Harper. “Etymology of beetle-browed.” Online Etymology Dictionary. https://www.etymonline.com/word/beetle-browed (accessed $(datetime)).

Definitions of beetle-browed

beetle-browed (adj.)

sullen or unfriendly in appearance;

Synonyms: scowling

From wordnet.princeton.edu

Dictionary entries near beetle-browed

bee-sting

beestings

beeswax

beet

beetle

beetle-browed

beet-root

beeves

befall

befit

befitting