Scowl \Scowl\ (skoul), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Scowled} (skould); p. pr. & vb. n. {Scowling}.] [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}.] 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 \Scowl\, v. t. 1. To look at or repel with a scowl or a frown. --Milton.
2. To express by a scowl; as, to scowl defiance.
Scowl \Scowl\, n. 1. The wrinkling of the brows or face in frowing; the expression of displeasure, sullenness, 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.
Gone are the scowl and dark sunglasses of the first years after he seized power in a bloody 1973 coup.
As Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith Retchin introduced the form on Friday, Barry huddled briefly with Bonds at the defense table and then turned away with a scowl on his face.
The scowl beneath the bushy eyebrows is often a smile.
Mr. Scrooge displayed his disdain for his fellow countrymen with a scowl; Mr. Reagan, ever mindful of television, did it with a smile.