Morose, a.
Etymology: [L. morosus, prop., excessively addicted to any particular way or habit, fr. mos, moris, manner, habit, way of life: cf. F. morose.]
1. Of a sour temper; sullen and austere; ill-humored; severe. "A morose and affected taciturnity." I. Watts.
2. Lascivious; brooding over evil thoughts. [Obs.]
Syn. -- Sullen; gruff; severe; austere; gloomy; crabbed; crusty; churlish; surly; ill-humored.
Shades of meaning
The sullen and sulky are discontented and resentful in regard to that against which they are too proud to protest, or consider all protest vain; sullen denotes more of pride, sulky more of resentful obstinacy. The morose are bitterly dissatisfied with the world in general, and disposed to vent their ill nature upon others. The sullen and sulky are for the most part silent; the morose growl out bitter speeches. A surly person is in a state of latent anger, resenting approach as intrusion, and ready to take offense at anything; thus we speak of a surly dog. Sullen and sulky moods may be transitory; one who is morose or surly is commonly so by disposition or habit.