Green’s Dictionary of Slang

a surly, morose person.

1710		Fanatick Feast 12: Old Surly-Boots [...] threw off his Cloak.
1812		W. Combe Doctor Syntax, Picturesque (1868) 83/1: They started all, and all awoke; / When Surly-boots yawn’d wide, and spoke.
1837		‘Nights At Sea’ in Bentley’s Misc. May 479: ‘Carn’t help it, ma’am,’ said ould surly-chops.
1896		Scotsman 2 May 12/1: His father, lexicograoher and theatre manager, the ‘Surly Boots’ of Drury Lane, ‘poured lava’ over those who offended him.