Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†CURMUDGE, n. “A mean fellow” (Fif. 1825 Jam.2). Hence curmudgeous, adj., mean, niggardly (Ib.).
[Back formation from Eng. curmudgeon, the origin of which is obscure.]