Coarsest

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Coarse \Coarse\ (k[=o]rs), a. [Compar. {Coarser}
     (k[=o]rs"[~e]r); superl. {Coarsest}.] [As this word was
     anciently written course, or cours, it may be an abbreviation
     of of course, in the common manner of proceeding, common, and
     hence, homely, made for common domestic use, plain, rude,
     rough, gross, e. g., "Though the threads be course."


     --Gascoigne. See {Course}.]
     [1913 Webster]
     1. Large in bulk, or composed of large parts or particles; of
        inferior quality or appearance; not fine in material or
        close in texture; gross; thick; rough; -- opposed to
        {fine}; as, coarse sand; coarse thread; coarse cloth;
        coarse bread.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Not refined; rough; rude; unpolished; gross; indelicate;
        as, coarse manners; coarse language.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              I feel
              Of what coarse metal ye are molded.   --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              To copy, in my coarse English, his beautiful
              expressions.                          --Dryden.
  
     Syn: Large; thick; rough; gross; blunt; uncouth; unpolished;
          inelegant; indelicate; vulgar.
          [1913 Webster]