† gaddyadj.
Obsolete.
Of a person or his or her behaviour, thoughts, etc.: inclined to wander or stray; errant, wayward. Cf. gad v.1 1b.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > travel from place to place > [adjective] > with no fixed aim or wandering > inclined to or characterized by wandering
wancraunt1422
roving1566
runabout1573
wandering1582
vagrant1583
gaddy1637
outward-bound1743
gadabout1753
free-ranging1841
planeticose1849
knockabout1886
picaresque1959
1637 S. Rutherford Let. in Joshua Redivivus (1664) 126 I would my sufferings..might buy an agreement betwixt his fairest & sweetest love, & his gaddy [1765 gaudy, 1863 gawdy] lewd wife.
a1649 S. Crook Τα Διαϕεροντα (1658) i. xx. 223 He expects a blessing under his Ministry, but cannot promise it to himself in a wandring, gaddy, gidding course.
1655 R. Robinson Safe Conduct 38 Beleevers have gaddy heads, and corrupt hearts, and stumbling feet; they are ready upon every temptation..to go astray from the paths of holiness.
1667 R. Steele Antidote against Distractions ix. 207 Thou hast an heart like Dinah, of a gaddy temper, that runs abroad, and comes defiled home.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2018).
<
adj.1637