a. [f. BEAR sb.1 + -ISH1.]
1. Bear-like, esp. in manner or temper; rough, rude and uncouth; growling, surly.
1744. Harris, Three Treat., 344. We call Men, by way of reproach, Sheepish, Bearish, Hoggish, Ravenous, &c.
1800. Coleridge, Piccolom., V. iv. Forgive me too my bearish ways, old father.
1863. ‘Sarah Tytler,’ in Gd. Words, 705. As unmannerly and bearish as two gentlemen … could contrive to be.
2. Stock Exchange. Belonging or tending to a fall in the price of stocks.
1881. Chicago Times, 30 April. The movement was bearish, and prices all around averaged a trifle lower.
1884. Manch. Exam., 8 Sept., 8/3. Bearish news from the oilfields brought down prices.
Hence Bearishly adv.
