scowl Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a facial expression of dislike or displeasure
    frown.
  2. verb frown with displeasure

WordNet

Scowl intransitive verb
Etymology
Akin to Dan. skule; cf. Icel. skolla to skulk, LG. schulen to hide one's self, D. schuilen, G. schielen to squint, Dan. skele, Sw. skela, AS. sceolh squinting. Cf. Skulk.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Scowled ; present participle & verbal noun Scowling
Definitions
  1. To wrinkle the brows, as in frowning or displeasure; to put on a frowning look; to look sour, sullen, severe, or angry.
    She scowled and frowned with froward countenance. Spenser.
  2. Hence, to look gloomy, dark, or threatening; to lower. "The scowling heavens." Thomson.
Scowl transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To look at or repel with a scowl or a frown. Milton.
  2. To express by a scowl; as, to scowl defiance.
Scowl noun
Definitions
  1. The wrinkling of the brows or face in frowing; the expression of displeasure, sullennes, or discontent in the countenance; an angry frown.
    With solemn phiz, and critic scowl. Lloyd.
  2. Hence, gloom; dark or threatening aspect. Burns.
    A ruddy storm, whose scowl Made heaven's radiant face look foul. Crashaw.

Webster 1913