uncouthadj.n.
/ʌnˈkuːθ/, /ʌŋˈkuːθ/, U.S. /ˌənˈkuθ/ A. adj.† 1. Of facts or matters of knowledge: Unknown; also, not certainly known, uncertain. Obsolete.† 4. † b. Of smells, sounds, etc. Obsolete.† c. Unseemly, indecorous. Obsolete.† 7. Unknowing, ignorant. Also absol. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > unintelligibility > [adjective]
uncouthc897
unnimlyc1225
incomprehensiblea1340
unsearchablec1384
unknowable?c1400
investigablea1425
uncomprehensiblea1425
unthinkablec1445
imperscrutablec1450
inscrutablec1450
inopinable?a1475
incomprenable1502
unspectable?1504
incogitablec1522
uncogitable1529
impenetrable1531
inimaginable1534
inexplicable1555
unsensible1555
unscrutable1562
unfashionable1563
unpenetrable1581
unexcogitable1592
ineffable1598
inexcogitable1599
indivinable1603
ininvestigable1604
incapable1605
searchless?1606
uncomprehensive1609
unconceivable1611
undivinable1611
unimaginable1611
unexplicable1615
unintelligible1616
unapprehensible?1617
unfathomable1617
imprehensible1622
ununderstandablea1631
indeprehensible1633
indiscernible1635
inscrute1639
inapprehensiblea1641
indiscoverable1640
unexaminable1641
impervestigable1643
fathomless1645
inconceivable1646
indeterminable1646
inexplorable1646
insearchable1647
incomprehended1652
comprehendlessa1654
incomprehensive1656
untraceable1661
uninvestigablea1677
unintelligent1683
incognoscible1691
thought-transcendinga1711
uncognizable1720
acataleptic1727
undescriptive1744
elusive1751
impalpable1781
inaccessible1796
unconjecturable1806
uncognoscible1821
unascertainable1827
unfixable1831
unguessable1832
unrealizable1832
unsurveyable1833
hard-shelled1835
unintellective1837
undeemed1845
graspless1849
unconjectured1850
incognizable1852
ungraspable1853
unreadable1853
super-cerebral1854
elusory1856
trans-conscious1865
intangible1880
uncatchable1892
unspelt1892
unplumbable1895
unknowledgeable1920
indiscutable1933
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > want of knowledge, ignorance > that which is unknown > [adjective]
uncouthc897
neweOE
fremdc950
unknownOE
unseena1200
unketha1275
unkedc1275
strange13..
disguisyc1330
unknowedc1380
aliena1382
unhearda1382
unkenneda1400
ranishc1400
ignorant?a1475
unwittenc1485
unbekend1513
unacquainted1551
unkent1579
unwitted1582
unfamiliar1593
unsounded1594
incognite1609
ignote1623
in the urn1658
unfathomed1659
unexperienced1698
unknown-of1700
undiscovered1707
inaudite1708
darka1727
unascertained1751
unwist1757
unknownst1805
unbeknown1824
unbeknownst1848
unsampled1890
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > insecure knowledge, uncertainty > [adjective]
uncouthc897
uncertaina1325
non-certaina1425
unsurec1445
incertaina1492
uncert1543
ancipitous1652
unsecure?a1685
equivocal1769
problematical1770
screwed-up1942
c897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care Pref. (ad fin.) Uncuð [hit is] hu longe ðær swæ gelærede biscepas sien.
c900 tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (1890) ii. xiii. 134 To wiðmetenesse þære tide, þe us uncuð is.
971 Blickl. Hom. 51 Us is swiþe uncuþ hwæt ure yrfeweardas..don willon æfter urum life.
c1000 Ælfric De Veteri et de Novo Test. (Gr.) 4 God..sealde heora ælcum synderlice spræce, þæt heora ælcum wæs uncuð, hwæt oðer sæde.
a1200 Vices & Virtues 23 Ic bliðeliche ðine rad wile hlesten,..ȝif ðu me ðin uncuðe name woldest kyðen.
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 4296 Ful fewe bedys are yn hys mouþe, He vsyþ none; þey are vncouthe.
1423 Kingis Quair lxiii Quhen all ȝour merci rew vpon ȝour man, Quhois seruice is ȝit vncouth vnto ȝow?
1447 O. Bokenham Lyvys Seyntys (1835) Introd. 4 Wych story is no thyng unkuowthe At mownt Flask.
1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1901) I. i. viii. 48 This ordour of preisthede was..nocht vncouth to þe pepill of albane.
a1577 G. Gascoigne Dan Bartholmew in Wks. (1587) 101 With stopping sobs..he sought To utter that which was to one uncouth.
1616 J. Boys Wks. (1622) 871 Now the whole superficies of the earth as well vncouth as discouered, is but a little point.
1650 R. Gell Αγγελοκρατια Θεου 2 A kind of attestation not uncouth among the Poets.
2. With which one is not acquainted or familiar; unfamiliar, unaccustomed, strange:† e. Scottish. Pertaining to other nations; foreign. Obsolete.
a. Of ways, paths, etc. (frequently passing into sense A. 5).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > want of knowledge, ignorance > that which is unknown > [adjective] > of places, paths: unexplored
uncouthc960
uncoutha1000
unknowna1393
undiscovered1555
unbeaten1617
tractless1628
unbeat1635
untravelled1646
trackless1656
unexplored1697
unmapped1805
uncharted1895
unlocated1902
α.
β. 1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini Hist. Guicciardin xiv. 829 Frauncis Sforce taking a straunge and vncothe waye, was receyued at Sesto by Prospero.a1592 R. Greene Alcida (1617) sig. E3v Wandring awhile by many vncoth paths, at last wee came into a faire place.1600 J. Lane Tom Tel-Troths Message 69 Nature..Is now inforc'd in vncoth walkes to stray.OE Beowulf 1410 Ofereode þa æþelinga bearn..enge anpaðas, uncuð gelad.
a1000 Boeth. Metr. xiii. 58 Merecondel scyfð on ofdæle, uncuðne weg nihtes geneðeð.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin xx. 314 Ride euer be nyght and by the moste vn-cowth weyes that ye may.
1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer ii. f. cccxlvii Folysshe ignoraunce mysledeth wandring wretches by vncouth wayes that shulden be forleten.
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis ii. 42 I wandred through streets and passages vncooth.
1611 J. Florio Queen Anna's New World of Words Inuio sentiere, an vngone, vntroden or vncouth path or way.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 475 But I Toild out my uncouth passage, forc't to ride Th' untractable Abysse. View more context for this quotation
1691 J. Swift Ode to Athenian Society iii, in Suppl. Fifth Vol. Athenian Gaz. 3 To grope her uncouth way After a mighty Light that leads her wandring Eye.
1704 J. Swift Tale of Tub xi. 206 They would make Choice of the..most uncouth Rounds..that they might be sure to avoid one another.
b. Of lands or places.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > want of knowledge, ignorance > that which is unknown > [adjective] > of places, paths: unexplored
uncouthc960
uncoutha1000
unknowna1393
undiscovered1555
unbeaten1617
tractless1628
unbeat1635
untravelled1646
trackless1656
unexplored1697
unmapped1805
uncharted1895
unlocated1902
α.
β. 1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 6445 Þat he hom to deþe broȝte So ver in vnekoþe lond, þat no mon of hom ne roȝte.c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 531 A sure knyghte..ayres into vnkoth lond auntres to seche.c960 Rule St. Benet lxi. 109 Se utancumena munuc, þe of uncuðum eardum cymð.
c1175 Lamb. Hom. 157 Wume nu..þet ic scal wunien in unkuþe londe.
c1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 53 Hu muȝe we singen godes loft song in uncuðe londe?
c1290 S. Eng. Leg. I. 325 Þus feor in one-couþe londe Mit deol and soruwe ich habbe i-leoued.
c1330 (?c1300) Guy of Warwick (Auch.) l. 1192 Time it is þat ich fond To winne priis in vncouþe lond.
1399 in T. Wright Polit. Poems & Songs (1859) I. 364 Her eldest bryd his taken her fro, into an uncod place.
a1450 Le Morte Arth. 851 She it yaff to the scottisshe knight, For he was of an vnkouth stede.
a1470 J. Hardyng Chron. ccxli. vii Who hath power to make you resistence In any wise, in any vncouth lande?
a1535 T. More Dialoge of Comfort (1553) iii. xviii. sig. R.iv Whan they shal..cary vs farre from home, into a straunge vncoth lande.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 12510 The sea..Depertid the pepull, pyne to be-hold, In costes vnkowthe.
1632 S. Rutherford Lett. (1863) I. xxvi. 97 The silly stranger in an uncouth country must take with a smoky inn.
1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 333 Brethren and men of Dan, for such ye seem, Though in this uncouth place. View more context for this quotation
1722 D. Defoe Jrnl. Plague Year 117 [They] wandered..into the Fields, and Woods, and into secret uncouth Places.
1824 W. Scott Redgauntlet I. xi. 262 Ye see, birkie, it is nae chancy thing to tak a stranger traveller for a guide, when you are in an uncouth land.
c. Of persons.For the early legal use see hoghenhine n. See the phrase uncouth, unkissed at unkissed adj. 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > separation or isolation > [adjective] > that is a stranger or outsider
uncouthc893
outcomeeOE
fremdc950
althedyOE
foreigna1325
aliena1382
barbarous1542
barbarianc1550
stranger1593
extraneous1656
outside1826
barbaric1849
extern1866
offcomed1879
c893 tr. Orosius Hist. vi. xxxi. 286 Þa com him ongean an uncuð mon, & ofstong Iulianus.
c1000 West Saxon Gospels: John (Corpus Cambr.) x. 5 Ne fyliað hig uncuþum,..forþam þe hig ne gecneowon uncuþra stefne.
c1000 Ælfric Lives Saints xxiii. 613 Þæt þær gelæht wære binnan þære byrig an uncuð geong man.
a1175 Cott. Hom. 231 Scewie we þes uncoðe mæn ur ȝefo.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 45 Ameiden..heode vt to seon vncuðe wimmen.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 3543 Seoððen her com vncud [read vncuð; c1300 Otho oncuþ] folc faren in þessere þeode.
1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. viii. 141 Vnkouþe knihtes schul come þi kingdam to clayme.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 5495 Þar ras an vncut king þat had to ioseph na knauing.
c1400 Ywaine & Gaw. 501 Unkowth men wele may he shende, That to his felows es so unhende.
1446 J. Lydgate Two Nightingale Poems ii. 44 From the god of love To me was sent an vnkouth messangier.
c1460 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Laud) l. 16541 To bery ynne incouþe [a1400 Vesp. vncuth] men that to that Cite sought.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur iii. vi. 105 Vncouth men ye shold debate with al & no broder with broder.
1596 W. Warner Albions Eng. (rev. ed.) xi. lxiii. 274 They seeing vncouth Men and Shippes, weare wondringly agaste.
d. Of peoples or nations.
ΚΠ
c1000 Ælfric Deut. xxviii. 36 Drihten sent uncuðe þeode ofer eow, þa þe ge ne cunnon.
a1300 Cursor Mundi 1171 In vncuth lede sal end mi wa.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4177 Þan sagh þai cumand be þe stret Marchands of an vncuth thede.
c1400 St. Alexius (Trin.) 258 Tydynges none hy ne broȝte Of his sone, þat him soȝte In vncouþe þede.
c1450 J. Lydgate Secrees 219 In Rethoryk he hadde experyence Of euery strange, unkouth nacyoun.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > district in relation to human occupation > a land or country > [adjective] > foreign (of country or place) or situated abroad > of or relating to a foreign land
un-i-cundeeOE
althedisheOE
althedyOE
elelendisha1000
fremda1000
outlandishOE
strange1297
outenc1300
unkindc1300
outlandsc1330
foreign?1435
outland1488
peregrine1532
uncouth1533
forinsecal1539
exterior1540
extern1543
unnative1568
uplandish1586
external1587
tramontane1596
exotical1601
estranged1614
undenizened1635
extra-marine1639
outlanding1643
ultramarine1656
transmontane1727
forinsec service1728
foreigneering1806
trans-oceanic1827
vilayati1843
alienized1860
oversea1881
overwater1889
overseas1892
furrin1895
non-native1932
1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1901) I. 187 How beit þe ciete was in quiet þis ȝere but ony vncouth or domestic weris.
1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome II. v. xxiv. 232 Nocht standing oure neir þe sey to resaif dammaige be perell of oncouth flotis.
3. † b. Alien or foreign to something. Obsolete. rare.† c. Unrecognizable. Obsolete. rare.
a. Of an unknown or unfamiliar character; unusual, uncommon, strange; marvellous. Now rare.Very common c1590–1700. In later use passing into A. 6.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > feeling of wonder, astonishment > quality of inspiring wonder > [adjective] > with quality of strangeness
selcouthc888
uncouthc900
sellya1000
ferly?c1225
strangec1374
nicec1395
ferlifula1400
monsterfulc1460
portentous1553
miraculous1569
vengible1594
strangefula1618
phenomenous1743
phenomenala1850
very like a whale1859
weird and wonderful1859
fourth-dimensional1902
out of this world1941
unreal1965
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > irregularity > unconformity > abnormality > [adjective] > strange
uncouthc900
unketha1275
solein1390
foreigna1393
uncoc1410
unquod1542
estrange1549
strangy1558
estrangeful1613
unco-like1636
arabesque1847
other-dimensional1934
Martian1953
weirded out1973
c900 tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (1890) ii. xii. 128 Þa geseah he..sumne mon wið his gongan..uncuðes gegyrlan.
OE Beowulf 876 Secg..welhwylc gecwæð, þæt he fram Sigemunde[s] secgan hyrde ellendædum, uncuþes fela.
c1000 Sax. Leechd. I. 194 Gif men þæt heafod berste, oððe uncuð swyle ongesitte.
a1122 Anglo-Saxon Chron. ann. 1106 Hig ma on þison timon uncuðra steorra gesawon.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 228 Ðeȝȝ wisstenn þatt himm wass þatt daȝȝ Summ unncuþ sihhþe shæwedd.
1340–70 Alisaunder 683 Queme yee me might, Of this unkouth case too karp þe soothe.
c1384 G. Chaucer Hous of Fame i. 1279 Ther saugh I Colle tregetour Vpon a table of Sygamour Pley an vncouthe thynge to telle.
c1386 G. Chaucer Squire's Tale 284 Who couþe telle you þe forme of daunces So vncouthe.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 22494 Efter þe tua fules þe þrid, An uncuth dai þan es it kidd.
1430–40 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes ix. xxxiii. 34 b His vncouth story breuely to compyle.
c1430 J. Lydgate Minor Poems (Percy Soc.) 25 The tragides divers and unkouth Of morall Senec.
1448–9 J. Metham Amoryus & Cleopes 1278 The venym owte off hys tayle in-to hys mowth He drawyth anone..; Thow yt gretly be meruulus and oncowth.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. lxxxiii. f. xxxii The kynge had maryed a woman of vncowght beleue.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Matt. xxi. 101 Moued with this uncouthe syght.
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis iii. 53 I through pangs vncoth vnhabled,..thus fumbled an aunswer.
1605 B. Jonson Sejanus iii. i. 748 It is no vncouth thing To see fresh Buildings from old Ruines spring. View more context for this quotation
1648 Hunting of Fox 24 Saint Bridgit her selfe, the mother of so many uncouth Revelations.
1693 N. Mather in J. Owen 2 Disc. Holy Spirit Pref. sig. A3 Novel and uncouth Terms foreign to the Things of God.
1710 G. Berkeley Treat. Princ. Human Knowl. §1 We are insensibly drawn into uncouth paradoxes.
1749 D. Hartley Observ. Man i. iii. 350 The Speculations may seem uncouth to those who are not conversant in Mathematical Inquiries.
1801 ‘Gabrielli’ Mysterious Husband III. 173 When James's uncouth story was absolutely confirmed.
1847 G. Harris Life Ld. Hardwicke II. viii. 237 To gaze on the uncouth, unaccustomed spectacle presented by the Highlanders.
1864 F. C. Bowen Treat. Logic v. 136 It would certainly be accounted a forced and uncouth assertion.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > irregularity > unconformity > [adjective]
uncouthc1374
strangec1380
alienate1533
unconformable1593
disconformablec1600
inconformable1612
anomalous1646
unmodelled1650
disform1656
inconform1659
unattuned1792
unassimilating1796
anomalistic1802
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (1868) ii. pr. ii. 34 Syn þat stedfastnesse is vnkouþ to my maneres.
1697 J. Sergeant Solid Philos. 273 Any other and higher Points, especially such as are Uncouth to..Natural Reason.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > recognition > absence of recognition > [adjective] > incapable of recognition
uncouth1390
irrecognizable1837
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 318 So what with blod and what with teres..He made hire faire face uncouth.
a. Of a strange and unpleasant or distasteful character. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > displeasure > [adjective] > unpleasant
loatha700
unsweetc890
grimlyc893
unquemeOE
un-i-quemeOE
evila1131
sourc1175
illc1220
unhightlyc1275
unwelcomec1325
unblithec1330
unnetc1330
unrekena1350
unagreeablec1374
uncouthc1380
unsavouryc1380
displeasantc1386
unlikinga1398
ungaina1400
crabbedc1400
unlovelyc1400
displeasing1401
eschewc1420
unsoot1420
mislikinga1425
unlikelya1425
unlustya1425
fastidiousc1425
unpleasantc1430
displicable1471
unthankfulc1475
displeasant1481
uneasy1483
unpleasinga1500
unfaring1513
badc1530
malpleasant?1533
noisome1542
thanklessa1547
ungrate1548
untoothsome1548
ungreeable1550
contrary1561
disagreeable1570
offensible1575
offensive1576
naughty1578
delightlessa1586
undelightful1585
unwisheda1586
unpleasurable1587
undelightsomec1595
dislikeful1596
disliking1596
ungrateful1596
unsweet?a1600
distastive1600
impleasing1602
distasting1603
distasteful1607
unsightly1608
undelectable1610
disgustful1611
unrelishing1611
waspisha1616
undeliciousa1618
unwished-for1617
disrelishing1631
unenjoyed1643
unjoyous1645
mirya1652
unwelcomed1651
unpleasivea1656
sweet1656
injucund1657
insuave1657
unpalatable1658
unhandsome1660
undesirable1667
disrelishablea1670
uncouthsome1684
shocking1703
nasty1705
embittering1746
indelectable1751
undelightinga1774
nice and ——1796
unenjoyablea1797
ungenial1796
uncomplacent1805
ungracious1807
bitter1810
rotten1813
uncongenial1813
quarrelsome1825
grimy1833
nice1836
unrelished1863
bloody1867
unbewitching1876
ferocious1877
displeasurable1879
rebarbative1892
charming1893
crook1898
naar1900
peppery1901
negative1902
poisonous1906
off-putting1935
unsympathetic1937
piggy1942
funky1946
umpty1948
pooey1967
minging1970
Scrooge-like1976
sucky1984
stank1991
stanky1991
c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 242 Þis unkouþe discencioun þat is bitwixe þes popes.
1430–40 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes (1554) ii. xxviii. 64 Atwene them, there was an uncouth strife.
1586 A. Day Eng. Secretorie i. sig. F3v The sight became so vncouth as al men shunned, ech one feared, and none durst abide it.
1652 R. Brome Joviall Crew i. sig. B4 I hop'd thou hadst abjur'd that uncough practice.
1696 W. Whiston Disc. conc. Mosaick Hist. Creation 7 in New Theory of Earth An uncouth and incredible System.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 86 The Sight, you may be sure, was something uncouth to our Spaniards.
1785 E. Burke Speech Nabob Arcot's Debts in Wks. (1815) IV. 320 To some the subject is strange and uncouth; to several harsh and distasteful.
1797 W. Godwin Enquirer i. vi. 43 They will not accept an uncouth and disgustful lesson.
ΚΠ
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. xxi. lv. 425 The Elephants..frighted the horses especially, & not onely with the straunge sight, but also with as uncouth a sent and savor.
1658 J. Rowland tr. T. Moffett Theater of Insects in Topsell's Hist. Four-footed Beasts (rev. ed.) 909 Poysoned Honey..hath a strange and uncouth smell.
1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 29 Toddy..tasts like Rhenish; at first draught it is uncouth, but every draught tasts better than other.
1720 D. Defoe Life Capt. Singleton 253 A strange Noise more uncouth..than any they had ever heard.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > wrongdoing > unfittingness > [adjective]
unbecomelyc1200
uncomelyc1230
unsetec1325
unconablea1340
unhonestc1380
unsitting1390
undue1398
ungainanda1400
disconvenienta1425
unjustc1443
unconvenient1450
unsoundablec1450
inconvenientc1460
unorderly1471
mis-seeminga1522
unconvenable1542
undecent1546
ungreeing1560
graceless1562
unsetting1567
unhovable1570
ill1586
uncouth1589
unfittinga1592
unbeseeming1593
seemless1596
unbecoming1598
unbefitting1598
ill-seta1627
unbeseemly1648
ungainlya1660
indecorous1681
paw-paw1723
ungain-like1796
jive1971
society > morality > dueness or propriety > moral impropriety > [adjective]
unbecomelyc1200
uncomelyc1230
unseemlya1300
unsetec1325
unseemly1338
unconablea1340
unseeminga1340
uncovenablec1374
unsitting1390
undue1398
ungainanda1400
unseemc1425
unjustc1443
unconvenient1450
unsoundablec1450
unhonestc1503
inconvenienta1513
mis-seeminga1522
unconvenable1542
undecent1546
graceless1562
unsetting1567
indecent1570
misbecoming1589
misbeseeming1589
uncouth1589
unbeseeming1593
seemless1596
unbecoming1598
unbefitting1598
wry1601
disbecominga1639
unbeseemly1648
improper1739
ugly1879
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > [adjective] > unseemly
unthewfulc1050
unbecomelyc1200
unhend?c1225
uncomelyc1230
unseemlya1300
unsetec1325
unconablea1340
uncovenablec1374
unsitting1390
undue1398
ungainanda1400
unlikelya1425
unconvenient1450
unsoundablec1450
unorderly1471
unhonestc1503
inconvenienta1513
mis-seeminga1522
unconvenable1542
undecent1546
unsetting1567
indecent1570
uncouth1589
unfittinga1592
unbeseeming1593
seemless1596
unbecoming1598
unbefitting1598
unbeseemly1648
untoward1658
indecorous1682
ungain-like1796
1589 R. Greene Menaphon sig. D3 Samela meruailed at such an vncouth banquet.
1600 E. Fairfax tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne i. xviii. 4 Nor sweld his brest with vncouth pride therefore, That heau'n on him aboue this charge had laide.
a1652 R. Brome Eng. Moor i. iii. 15 in Five New Playes (1659) Which uncouth Policie to sorrow leads Thousands a thousand wayes.
5. † c. Strange; uneasy; at a loss. Obsolete. rare.
a. Of places: Not commonly known or frequented; solitary, desolate, wild, rugged, rough.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > retirement or seclusion > secluded place or place of seclusion > [adjective] > unfrequented
solitaryc1374
solein1390
insolentc1420
dern1488
uncoutha1542
unvisited1548
unhaunted1568
wasteful1573
unfrequented1594
untraded1596
sole1598
frequentlessa1607
unfrequenting1609
unrepaired to1615
unfrequent1618
lonely1645
lonesome1647
infrequented1675
lone1712
lonelyish1900
α.
β. 1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis iv. 69 When they toe thee mountayns and too layrs vncoth aproched.1595 W. S. Lamentable Trag. Locrine iii. vi. 7 Where may I finde some hollow vncoth rocke, Where I may..ban my fill?a1542 T. Wyatt Psalm li. Prol. 415 in Coll. Poems (1969) So close the Cave was and vnkowth That none but god was record off his payne.
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) ii. vi. 6 If this vncouth Forrest yeeld any thing sauage, I wil either be food for it, or bring it for foode to thee. View more context for this quotation
1633 T. Stafford Pacata Hibernia i. xviii. 107 Lurking in desart, uncouth, and unknowen places.
1653 H. Cogan tr. Diodorus Siculus Hist. 256 Wandring alone through desert and uncouth places, he died with sorrow.
1728 J. Morgan Compl. Hist. Algiers I. iii. 72 I have met with the Ruins of several stately Buildings..in uncooth Mountains.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson i. vii. 73 This uncouth and rugged coast.
1814 W. Scott Waverley III. xv*. 230 He soon pursued a very uncouth path. View more context for this quotation
1830 J. G. Strutt Sylva Brit. (rev. ed.) 119 The Prior of St. Mary's at York was chosen Abbot by the Monks; with whom they withdrew into this uncouth desert.
b. Of life, surroundings, etc.: Unattractive, unpleasant, uncomfortable. Obsolete or archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > dejection > [adjective] > gloomy or depressing
darkOE
unmerryOE
deathlyc1225
dolefulc1275
elengec1275
dreicha1300
coolc1350
cloudyc1374
sada1375
colda1400
deadlya1400
joylessc1400
unjoyful?c1400
disconsolatea1413
mournfula1425
funeralc1425
uncheerfulc1449
dolent1489
dolesome1533
heavy-hearted1555
glum1558
ungladsome1558
black1562
pleasureless1567
dern1570
plaintive?1570
glummish1573
cheerless1575
comfortless1576
wintry1579
glummy1580
funebral1581
discouraging1584
dernful?1591
murk1596
recomfortless1596
sullen1597
amating1600
lugubrious1601
dusky1602
sable1603
funebrial1604
damping1607
mortifying1611
tearful?1611
uncouth1611
dulsome1613
luctual1613
dismal1617
winterous1617
unked1620
mopish1621
godforsaken?1623
uncheerly1627
funebrious1630
lugubrous1632
drearisome1633
unheartsome1637
feral1641
drear1645
darksome1649
sadding1649
saddening1650
disheartening1654
funebrous1654
luctiferous1656
mestifical1656
tristifical1656
sooty1657
dreary1667
tenebrose1677
clouded1682
tragicala1700
funereal1707
gloomy1710
sepulchrala1711
dumpishc1717
bleaka1719
depressive1727
lugubre1727
muzzy1728
dispiriting1733
uncheery1760
unconsolatory1760
unjolly1764
Decemberly1765
sombre1768
uncouthie1768
depressing1772
unmirthful1782
sombrous1789
disanimating1791
Decemberish1793
grey1794
uncheering1796
ungenial1796
uncomforting1798
disencouraginga1806
stern1812
chilling1815
uncheered1817
dejecting1818
mopey1821
desponding1828
wisht1829
leadening1835
unsportful1837
demoralizing1840
Novemberish1840
frigid1844
morne1844
tragic1848
wet-blanketty1848
morgue1850
ungladdeneda1851
adusk1856
smileless1858
soul-sick1858
Novemberya1864
saturnine1863
down1873
lacklustre1883
Heaven-abandoneda1907
downbeat1952
doomy1967
1611 T. Coryate Crudities sig. Ii2 Duke Iohn..liued a most vncouth and solitary life in the desert forrests.
a1627 T. Middleton Witch (1945) ii. i. 665 'Tis so vn-couth living i' th' Cuntrie, now I'me vsde to' th Cittie.
1685 in F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (1907) II. 404 This place is very uncouth to me now you are gone out of it!
1704 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion III. xii. 271 [He] order'd his other small Troops to contain themselves in those uncouth Quarters, in which they were.
1888 R. L. Stevenson Black Arrow iii. iv. 175 The pair were left to their uncouth reflections for the night.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > state of being upset or perturbed > [adjective]
reigheOE
drofc1000
druvyOE
restlessOE
worya1225
forstraughtc1386
unquertc1390
unsaughtc1390
ill (evil) at easea1400
unrofula1400
unquietc1400
unrestya1413
unquieted?a1425
unrestful?c1425
unpeaceda1475
out of quieta1500
inquiet?1504
uneasya1513
perturbed1538
unquietous?1545
disquieted?1548
astraught1564
astraughted1565
agitate1567
turmoiled1570
disquiet1587
distroubled1590
weltered1590
disturbed1593
twitcheda1594
troublesome1596
stract1598
uncomposed1601
discomposed1603
incomposed1608
uncouth1660
unserene1664
chagrin1665
agitated1684
perturbated1704
disordered1711
perturbate1741
chagrineda1754
nervish1760
uncomfortable1796
funked1831
untranquillized1831
streaked1833
striped1839
discomfortable1844
streaky1848
bothered1851
funked out1859
bebothered1866
disorderly1871
fantod1883
rattled1885
aflap1887
shook1891
dicked-up1967
torqued1967
weirded out1973
1660 S. Pepys Diary 26 May (1970) I. 159 All the great company..being gone, I find myself very uncouth all this day for want thereof.
6. in combination.1812 W. Irving Hist. N.Y. (ed. 2) I. ii. iv. 101 Several uncouth looking beings seated on rocks.1869 H. F. Tozer Res. Highlands of Turkey I. 292 The shepherds were an uncouth-looking set.absolute.1737 A. Pope Epist. of Horace ii. ii. 12 Prune the luxuriant, the uncouth refine, But show no mercy to an empty line.
a. Of an unfamiliar or strange appearance or form; spec., having an odd, uncomely, awkward, or clumsy shape or bearing.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > irregularity > unconformity > abnormality > [adjective] > strange > specifically in appearance
uncouth1513
odd1596
wilda1616
weird1816
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid xi. xv. 12 In brovne sangwane weill dycht Abuf hys onkouth armour blomand brycht.
1600 E. Fairfax tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne ii. xxxviii. 27 In vncouth armes yclad and strange disguise.
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 685 An vncouth Idoll, great and hollow, fastened in the wall with lime.
1615 W. Hull Mirrour of Majestie 113 An vnquoth sight and nouelty was..seene in heauen.
1653 H. More Antidote against Atheisme ii. ii. §14 The Frost and Wind will draw upon Doors and glass-Windows pretty uncouth streaks like feathers and other fooleries.
1684 G. Meriton York-shire Dial. 64 An unquoth Dog hes monny barkers at.
1713 A. Pope Windsor-Forest 17 Then Ships of uncouth Form shall stem the Tyde.
1773 J. Hawkesworth Acct. Voy. Southern Hemisphere III. ii. ix. 453 The dress of a New Zealander is certainly..the most uncouth that can be imagined.
1838 E. Bulwer-Lytton Leila i. v. 35 A profusion of strange and uncouth instruments and machines.
1845 R. Ford Hand-bk. Travellers in Spain I. i. 53 The ponies of Gallicia, although ugly and uncouth, are admirably suited to the wild hilly country.
1879 H. Phillips Addit. Notes upon Coins 12 A heavy and uncouth gold British coin of remote antiquity.
b. Of persons: Awkward and uncultured in appearance or manners. Also transferred.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > [adjective] > ill-mannered > unrefined > specifically of persons
uplandisha1387
rustyc1485
rustical?1532
gross?1533
rusticc1550
rough-hewn1591
unfashioned1606
unpolite1674
crude1722
uncouth1732
piggish1742
rough-spun1768
coarse-graineda1774
coarse-fibred1872
rough as guts1919
1732 C. Wogan Let. to Swift 27 Feb. in J. Swift Wks. (1814) XVIII. 20 The very name of Irish carries so uncouth an idea along with it.
1740 W. Somervile Hobbinol i. 165 The jocund Troop..incessant shake Their uncouth brawny Limbs.
1798 S. Lee Young Lady's Tale in H. Lee Canterbury Tales II. 64 I have never seen this redoubtable, troublesome, uncouth cousin of mine.
1825 T. B. Macaulay Milton in Edinb. Rev. Aug. 340 People who saw nothing of the godly but their uncouth visages.
1828 E. Bulwer-Lytton Pelham I. iii. 16 A raw, uncouth sort of young man, in a green coat and lank hair.
1868 F. W. Farrar Seekers after God i. vi. 75 He dragged out an uncouth, panic-stricken mortal.
c. Of language, style, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > inelegance > [adjective]
wanmola1325
rudea1393
lewdc1425
rustyc1425
unpolisheda1450
roidc1485
inelegant1509
gross1513
rough?1520
barbarous1526
ineloquent1532
inconcinnate1534
crabby1550
crabbed1561
uneloquent1565
unelegant1570
unkempt1579
unfiled1590
illiterate1598
unconceived1599
aliterate1624
incompta1628
scabbed1630
uncombed1633
uncompt1633
uncouth1694
coarse1699
slatternly1783
crude1786
warty1822
stumbling1859
1694 W. Penn Brief Acct. Rise Quakers v Though that side of his understanding which lay next to the world, and especially the expression of it, might sound uncouth and unfashionable to nice ears.
1699 S. Garth Dispensary iv. 50 Harsh words, tho' pertinent, uncooth appear.
1717 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 1 Apr. (1965) I. 335 An Expression in an Ancient Author..may be extremely fine with them, at the same time it looks low or uncouth to us.
1762 W. Falconer Shipwreck i. 4 Tho' terms uncouth shou'd strike th' offended ear, For sake of truth, the uncouth measures bear.
1773 H. Chapone Lett. Improvem. Mind II. 128 Buried in obsolete words and uncouth constructions.
a1834 S. T. Coleridge Notes & Lect. on Shakespeare (1875) 145 The scholastic and uncouth words homogeneity, proportionateness.
1870 J. R. Lowell Among my Bks. 162 Where it does not make Shakespeare write bad sense, uncouth metre, or false grammar.
d. Of manners, actions, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > [adjective] > ill-mannered > unrefined
boistousc1300
untheweda1325
uplandisha1387
unaffiled1390
rudea1393
knavishc1405
peoplisha1425
clubbedc1440
blunt1477
lob?1507
robust1511
borel1513
carterly1519
clubbish1530
rough?1531
rustical?1532
incondite1539
agrestc1550
rusticc1550
brute1555
lobcocka1556
loutisha1556
carterlike1561
boorish1562
ruggedc1565
lobbish1567
loutlike1567
sowish1570
clownish1581
unrefined1582
impolished1583
homespun1590
transalpinea1592
swaddish1593
unpolished1594
untutored1595
swabberly1596
tartarous1602
porterly1603
lobcocked1606
lob-like1606
cluster-fisted1611
agrestic1617
inurbane1623
unelevated1627
incult1628
unbrushed1640
vulgar1643
unhewed1644
unsmooth1648
hirsute1658
loutardly1658
unhewn1659
roughsome?c1660
sordid1668
inhumanea1680
coarse1699
brutal1709
ramgunshoch1721
tramontane1740
uncouth1740
no-nationa1756
unurbane1760
turnipy1792
rudas1802
common1804
cubbish1819
clodhopping1828
vulgarian1833
cloddish1844
unkempt1846
bush1851
vulgarish1860
rodney1866
crude1876
ignorant1886
yobby1910
nekulturny1932
oikish1959
yobbish1966
ocker1972
down and dirty1977
1740 S. Johnson Drake in Gentleman's Mag. Oct. 513 Nor were their other Customs less wild or uncouth.
1763 J. Brown Diss. Poetry & Music iii. 27 Their Gestures are uncouth and horrid.
1837 W. Irving Adventures Capt. Bonneville I. 274 It was a day of uncouth gambols, and frolics, and rude feasting.
1860 G. J. Adler tr. C. C. Fauriel Hist. Provençal Poetry ii. 29 The uncouth heroism of the barbarous times.
1868 J. T. Nettleship Ess. Browning's Poetry ii. 62 This uncouth mind, so cramped..by the exigencies..of rhythm and rhyme.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > want of knowledge, ignorance > [adjective]
unlearedeOE
untowenc1000
unwittyc1000
skillessc1175
uncouthc1220
lewda1225
lorelessa1300
simplea1325
layc1330
uncunning1340
untaughtc1340
unknowingc1350
rudea1382
roida1400
unquainta1400
ignorant?c1400
unlearnedc1400
misknowing?a1425
simple-hearted?c1425
unknownc1475
unkenningc1480
unweeting1483
nescienta1500
craftlessc1530
misliterate1532
sillya1547
ingram1553
gross1561
inscient1578
borowe1579
plain-headeda1586
empirical1588
rudeful1589
lack-learning1590
learnless?1593
wotless?1594
ingrant1597
untutored1597
small-knowing1598
uninstructed1598
unlearnt1609
unread1609
unware?1611
nescious1623
inscious1633
inscientifical1660
uninformed1702
unaware1704
unable1721
unsuspecting1776
inerudite1801
ill-informed1824
incognoscent1827
unminded1831
unknowledgeable1837
knowledgelessc1843
parviscient1862
clueless1943
c1220 Bestiary 112 in Old Eng. Misc. 4 His muð is ȝet wel unkuð wið pater noster and crede.
c1220 Bestiary 512 in Old Eng. Misc. Ðer-fore oðre fisses to him draȝen;..of his swike he arn uncuð.
c1340 R. Rolle Prose Treat. 25 For he taght the vn-couthe and vn~kunnynge by his prechynge.
1624 in Abbotsford Club Misc. 4 (margin) The pannell denyet not, but scho said scho was vncouth, and wist not quhat to say.
B. n.† 3. spec. (See quot. 1589) Obsolete. rare.
1. absol. An unknown person; a stranger.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > separation or isolation > [noun] > one who is separated or isolated > stranger or outsider
fremdc950
guestc950
althedyOE
allophyleOE
uncoutha1250
strangea1325
alienc1384
barbarc1384
barbarync1384
strangerc1385
barbaric1388
foreigna1399
outland?a1400
farandman14..
out-comelingc1400
foreigner1422
alienar1473
alienate1497
estrangec1503
new face?a1513
barbarianc1550
fremman1568
frenne1579
estranger1586
inmatea1600
outlier1606
outcomer1607
externc1610
exoteric1697
outner1721
outsider1800
unco1800
inconnu1807
outrigger1850
offcome1859
ringer1896
offcomer1898
shenzi1910
out-grouper1938
outworlder1948
a1250 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Nero) (1952) 158 Ich halsie ou..alse unkuðe. & pilegrimes. þet ȝe wið holden ou from vlesliche lustes.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 37 Þe priue þyeues byeþ þo þet ne steleþ naȝt of oncouþe ac of priues.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 6835 To pilgrime and to vncuth þou ber þe wit þi dedis cuth.
14.. Sir Beues (C.) 2134 ‘What þow?’ sche seyde, ‘þou onkowth?’
2. plural. Things not commonly known; news.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > news or tidings > [noun]
wordOE
tiding1069
messagec1325
sound1413
news1417
advicec1425
noveltya1450
novelsc1450
newel1484
strangesa1500
nouvellesc1500
uncouthsa1529
occurrent1583
actualité1840
a1529 J. Skelton Colyn Cloute (?1545) sig. D.iv The people..wyl talke of such vncouthes.
1684 G. Meriton York-shire Dial. 42 What uncuths hes ta brought Come tell me seaun?
1763 ‘T. Bobbin’ Toy-shop (new ed.) 30 I'd ash him..whot Uncoth's he heard sturrink.
1828 W. Carr Dial. Craven (ed. 2)
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > obscurity > [noun] > production of > use of obscure word
uncouth1589
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xxii. 214 Ye haue another vicious speech which the Greeks call Acyron, we call it the vncouthe, and is when we vse an obscure and darke word.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
adj.n.c893- by god's death
- by god's diggers
- by god's dignity
- by god's dines
- by god's doom
- by god's eyes
- by god's fast
- by god's foot
- by god's gown
- by god's grace
- by god's guts
- by god's heart
- by god's help
- by god's lid
- by god's light
- by god's ludd
- by god's me
- by god's mother
- by god's nails
- by god's name
- by god's passion
- by god's pine
- by god's rood
- by god's sacrament
- by god's sides