In 4 cherlhed, chirlehede. [f. CHURL + -HEAD, -HOOD.]

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  † 1.  The state or quality of a churl: rusticity, boorishness, rudeness; homely simplicity.

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1382.  Wyclif, Pref. Ep., iv. 64. Thou seest how myche thei ben atwyn, riȝtwise chirlehede [1388 homelynesse] and tauȝt ryȝtwisnesse. Ibid., Isa., Prol. He is … of curteis fair speche, ne any thing is mengd of cherlhed in his faire speche.

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  2.  The estate or order of the churls.

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1867.  Freeman, Norm. Conq., I. v. 342. The only addition which either Norman chivalry or Norman churlhood made.

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