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shrew definition

shrew (s̸hro̵̅o̅)

noun

  1. any of a number of small, slender, mouselike insectivore mammals (esp. family Soricidae) with soft fur and a long, pointed snout
  2. a scolding, evil-tempered woman

Etymology: ME schrewe, a malicious person < OE screawa, shrewmouse, akin to OHG scrawaz, dwarf, goblin, MHG schröuwel, devil < IE *(s)ker-: see shred

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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