adverb
- in a gruff, bad-tempered, or irritable manner
Examples
- He crustily dismissed the question without looking up from his newspaper.
- She replied crustily to the waiter's cheerful greeting.
- The old man spoke crustily to anyone who interrupted his morning routine.
- He crustily refused the invitation to the party.
- She answered crustily when asked about her plans for the weekend.