1. a man or fellow, especially one of humble or rustic origin
Usage: archaic or dialectal; chiefly British
2. a man of low birth or social status; a churl or boor
Usage: archaic; often derogatory

Examples

• The old carl tended his fields from dawn to dusk.
• He was a rough carl with little regard for manners.
• In medieval times, a carl might own a small plot of land.
• The innkeeper was a stout carl with a hearty laugh.
• She married a simple carl from the village.