sur lie [soor LEE] French for "on the lees." Lees is the coarse sediment, mainly dead yeast cells and small grape particles, that accumulate during fermentation. Wines are thought to gain complexity if aged in this way. sur•ly adj. sur•li•er, sur•li•est 1. Sullenly ill-humored; gruff. 2. Threatening, as of weather conditions; ominous 3. Arrogant; domineering. "Maggie drank a little too much and got surly and made snide comments during the final toast."