Rough or harsh in texture; lacking refinement in quality, appearance, or manner. Can describe both physical texture and abstract qualities like behavior or language.
From Old French 'cours' meaning 'ordinary, common', possibly related to Latin 'cursus' (course, running). The word evolved from meaning 'ordinary' to 'rough' as fine materials became associated with higher social status.
Coarse salt and fine salt are chemically identical - the difference is just crystal size! The word shows how texture and social class got connected historically: coarse cloth was for commoners, fine silk for nobles, and we still use both meanings today.
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