curse:He cussed the pedestrian for getting in his way. Informal Termsto criticize or reprimand in harsh terms (often fol. byout):The coach cussed out the team for losing. n. Informal Termscurse word; oath. Informal Termsa person or animal:a strange but likable cuss. ...
cuss(v.) 1815, "to say bad words, use profane language," a vulgar pronunciation ofcurse(v.). The transitive sense of "to curse, swear at" is by 1838. Related:Cussed;cussing. Tocuss (someone) outis attested by 1881. The loss of-r-before-s-is not uncommon: Comparearse/ass(n.2)...