| 释义 |
▪ I. unˈwieldly, a.
[In early use f. unwield n. + -ly1; later a variant of unwieldy a.
Many quots. for unwieldly in reprints from 1681 onwards have, on verification in first edd. or the MSS., proved to be misprints of unwieldy a., as in quots. 1681–1730. The prevalence of the misprint may be the chief source of the form.]
†1. Impotent; weak; = unwieldy a. 1. Obs.
a1300Cursor M. 23642 (Edinb.), Þir sal haf weldnes of wale, Þa sal unweldli be wit bale.
2. = unwieldy a. 2–4. Also transf.
a1513Fabyan Chron. vii. (1516) 153/2 He was vnweldly by reason of ouer ladynge of Flesshe, and myght not well trauayll. Ibid. 161 b/2 [They] made them a Mamet of a Fatte and vnwyldely as.
[1681Sanderson's Serm. 95 As Saul's armour did [sit] upon Davids [back]; unweildly, and sagging about his shoulders. 1730Bailey, Inhabile,..unmeet, unfit, unwieldly, not nimble. ]
1763Churchill Ghost I. 261 Horrid, unweildly, without Form,..in the rear, That Post of Honour, should appear Pomposo. 1858Faber Foot of Cross ii. 93 The interlacings and unfoldings of an unwieldly thunder-cloud. 1881Athenæum 19 March 393/3 Unwieldly though the German language is in conversation and for every-day purposes. 1888Murie in Kingsley Riverside Nat. Hist. IV. 404 Such a great, unwieldly, horned bird as the rhinoceros hornbill.
▪ II. unˈwieldly, adv. rare.
[Cf. prec.]
In an unwieldy manner.
1793Wordsw. Evening Walk 231 Thence issuing oft, unwieldly as ye stalk, Ye crush..your flow'ry walk. |