Legal Definitions - churl

A churl (pronounced churl) is a term that originated in Saxon times to describe a freeman who did not own any land or rented land from a thane. After the Norman Conquest, churls were reduced to the status of unfree villeins. The word churl later became associated with a base peasant and acquired the connotation of a surly, coarse person, which is the modern meaning.

Example: John was a churl who rented land from the thane and paid rent to him.

Explanation: This example illustrates the original meaning of the term churl, which referred to a freeman who rented land from a thane.

Example: The churlish man refused to help the old lady cross the street.

Explanation: This example illustrates the modern meaning of the term churl, which refers to a surly, coarse person who is rude and unhelpful.