unlessadv.conj.prep.n.

Brit.

/(ə)nˈlɛs/,

/ʌnˈlɛs/, U.S.

/ənˈlɛs/

Forms:

α. late Middle English of lasse, late Middle English of lesse; Scottish pre-1700 of les.

β. late Middle English o less, late Middle English olesse, late Middle English oo lesse; Scottish pre-1700 ales, pre-1700 oles, 1800s–1900s aless (Shetland).

γ. late Middle English uppon lesse, late Middle English vpon less.

δ. late Middle English on lasse, late Middle English onlese, late Middle English–1500s onlesse, late Middle English–1600s onles, late Middle English–1600s (1800s– regional) onless, 1500s onelas, 1500s oneles, 1500s onelesse, 1500s onelez, 1500s onlas, 1500s oonles.

ε. late Middle English in lasse, late Middle English in less, late Middle English in lesse, late Middle English inlasse, late Middle English yn las, late Middle English yn lasse, 1500s (1800s English regional (southern)) inless, 1500s–1600s inlesse.

ζ. late Middle English vnlasse, 1500s–1600s unles, 1500s–1600s unlesse, 1500s–1600s vnles, 1500s–1600s vnless, 1500s–1600s vnlesse, 1500s– unless; also Scottish pre-1700 wnles.

Origin: Formed within English, by compounding. Etymons: of prep., less adj.; on prep., less adj.; English o , less adj.; upon prep., less adj.; in prep., less adj.

Etymology: In α. forms < of prep. + less adj. (compare less pron. and n. 1). In β. forms probably < o , reduced form of on prep. + less adj., although some such forms could alternatively show formations < o, reduced form of of prep. + less adj. In γ. forms < upon prep. + less adj. In δ. forms < on prep. + less adj. In ε. forms < in prep. + less adj. The ζ. forms developed from the δ. forms by assimilation of the unstressed preposition to un- prefix¹. Compare less conj., and also unlest conj. and lest conj.

†A. adv. Only in conjunctional phrases followed by than or that.

1. Forming a conjunctional phrase introducing a case in which an exception to a preceding negative statement (expressed or implied) will or may exist: (not) on a less or lower condition, requirement, etc., than (what is specified). Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1414 Rolls of Parl.: Henry V (Electronic ed.) Parl. Apr. 1414 §22. m. 3 So as hit hath evere be thair liberte et fredom, that thar sholde no statut no lawe be made of lasse than they yaf ther to their assent.

?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 122 But þat may not be, vpon less þan wee mowe falle toward heuene.

1474–5 Rolls of Parl.: Edward IV (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1472 3rd Roll §22. m. 24 His land, which many persones..fere to take.., olesse then they myght be made verrey sure of payment.

a1500 in C. T. Martin Chancery Proc. 15th Cent. in Archaeologia (1904) 59 5 Robert wil not suffre hym to be laten to baile on lasse than he will make..a generall acquytaunce.

1581 J. Merbecke Bk. of Notes 551 He should neuer haue had such a Crosse layed on him vnlesse then he had also outwardly and openly lyued in wickednesse.

1659 J. Sparrow tr. J. Böhme Fifth Bk. Authour i. xi. 87 There was no remedy more, unless then the Deity did move it self.

2. Forming a conjunctional phrase introducing a case in which an exception to a preceding (or following) statement will or may exist: except if, if..not.

a. Followed by that: except that, if it is not that. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1418 in T. Rymer Fœdera (1709) IX. 630 (MED) The which..the King wol not doo in noo Wise, olesse that thay do soo to him therfor as he woll hold him content.

1485 Malory's Morte Darthur (Caxton) i. x. sig. avii Onlesse that our kyng haue more chyualry.., he shal be ouercome.

1529 T. Wolsey in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1824) II. 7 Onles that ye..do help and releve me therein.

1534 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Star Chamber (1911) II. 211 [They] cowde not..sell so myche..onelez that they wold sell so reassonable a pennyworthe.

1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. iii. sig. Bb7 Ne would I gladly combate with mine host,..Vnlesse that I were thereunto enforst.

1651 J. Ellistone tr. J. Böhme Signatura Rerum 176 The Root of the Abominate becomes a poysonful Mercury, unless that the Heat cold be afore Temperized with Venus and Jupiter.

a1692 ( in J. Stevenson Lett. & Papers Illustr. Wars Eng. in France (1864) II. 458 The kyng conceyveth wele that onlesse that it like him so to tendre the saide duc he [etc.].

b. Followed by than. Obsolete.In some later quots. then may alternatively be interpreted as an instance of then adv. (rather than a variant of than conj.), and unless as a simple conjunction (see branch B.).

ΚΠ

1429–30 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Sept. 1429 §27. m. 11 Olesse than the resones of that other partie cause hem to condescende forthwith unto hem, the mater shal dwelle in deliberation to the next day of counseill.

c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 386 He and alle hise successouris ben..excludid for euer, in lasse thanne the same good be ȝouun aȝen.

1467 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 408 Vppon peyn of euery man so failynge, vn-lasse then he haue a sufficient depute, of xl d.

1530 W. Tyndale Prol. Gen. A v Inlesse then we entend to be ydle disputers, and braulers aboute vayne wordes.

1574 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Serm. on Job (new ed.) lxxxiii. 428/2 Vnlesse then wee do thus particularly examine our selues, we shall neuer perceyue our iniquities.

1612 M. Drayton Poly-olbion xii. 205 Vnlesse then through your thirst of Emperie you meane Both Nations in these broyles shall be extinguisht cleane, Select you Champions fit.

1671 R. West Profitableness of Piety 16 Unless then you had rather be poor and wretched Sinners..Exercise your selves unto Godliness.

B. conj.

a. Used to introduce a statement expressing a case in which an exception to a preceding (or following) statement will or may exist: except if, if..not.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > on condition that [conjunction] > except, unless

warne1340

savea1393

lessa1400

unless1473

except that if1513

except1526

excepta1616

'cept1851

1473 in C. L. Kingsford Stonor Lett. & Papers (1919) I. 135 (MED) In lasse ye make another ordinaunce þerfor, your housyng of your tenentre wolbe lost.

1509 J. Fisher Serm. Henry VIJ (de Worde) sig. Avi^v There is no man..oneles he haue it by reuelacyon y^t knoweth certaynly [etc.].

1563 W. Baldwin et al. Myrrour for Magistrates (new ed.) Blacke Smyth lxviii For one [talent] is to much, onles it be well spent.

1607 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 442 Margory Davies..wold not remove her habitacion onles she might haue a way..to passe [etc.].

1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ ii. iii. §5 Will God condemn them for that, which it was impossible they should have, unless God gave it them?

1710 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 8 Oct. (1948) I. 48 I was at a loss to-day for a dinner, unless I would have gone a great way.

1752 E. Young Brothers i. i Dominion, and the princess, both are lost, Unless you gain the king.

1820 R. Southey Life Wesley II. 211 No person was admitted to this rank, unless he were thought competent by the preachers of the circuit.

1877 J. Ruskin Fors Clavigera VII. lxxx. 234 I am never angry with anybody unless they deserve it.

1918 T. Manson Humours of Peat Comm. I. 78 I niver laek ta du a thing aless I can du it richt.

1919 T. S. Eliot Let. 1 June (1988) I. 298 There I suppose I charter a taxi to your house, unless I hear other instructions from you.

1963 J. R. Leggett Services Estate Agent ix. 61 Sale by auction is the only sensible method, unless you fancy your chance of haggling with a dealer.

2014 Observer 13 July (Tech Monthly Suppl.) 30/2 It is very hard to distinguish degrees of ripeness by eye, unless the grapes are excessively under-ripe.

b. Followed by an adverb, phrase, or participial clause without verb, expressing the manner, place, time, or other circumstance in which an exception to a preceding (or following) statement applies: except, except if.

ΚΠ

1547 J. Harrison Exhort. Scottes sig. b.vi^v I wil vse for the more parte the testimonies either of Scottish chronicles, or forein writers, and litle of the Englishe, onlesse where bothe Scottishe and Englishe do agre.

1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Priuate Baptisme f. v*^v [That] the people..differ not the Baptisme of infantes..onlesse vpon a great & reasonable cause.

?1610 J. Fletcher Faithfull Shepheardesse v. sig. K4 Let not wine Vnlesse in sacrifice or rites deuine, Be euer knowen of Shepheards.

1681 J. Dryden Absalom & Achitophel 19 Nor ever was he known..[to] Curse unless against the Government.

1721 R. Bradley Philos. Acct. Wks. Nature 77 We had no Frost or Snow.., unless in the most Inland Parts.

1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones VI. xvii. ix. 155 Jones passed above twenty-four melancholy Hours by himself, unless when relieved by the Company of Partridge.

1789 C. Smith Ethelinde II. vii. 165 But I dare not shew them, unless to you.

1817 W. Scott Rob Roy I. v. 94 A beautiful horse, jet black, unless where he was flecked by spots of..foam.

1839 J. Shedd Reasons for rejecting Doctr. Endless Damnation Pref. 4 Such a visible reluctance that they on perceiving it, did not wish to hear, unless privately.

1897 M. Kingsley Trav. W. Afr. 439 They never wear clothes unless compelled to.

1930 J. E. Kirkwood N. Rocky Mt. Trees & Shrubs 221 It is probably very rare, unless in the southern or southwestern part of the state.

1984 P. White Let. 29 May (1994) xv. 591 I gather the railroads don't count for much any more—unless when the Long White Train rides, carrying its load of nuclear warheads.

2009 S. Flick Reconsidering Happiness 91 In the midst of her messy divorce, they'd all learned to ignore her unless spoken to.

c. unless and until (also until and unless): (used for greater emphasis) except if, except in the event that. Cf. as and when at as adv. and conj. Phrases 1e, if and when at if conj. and n. Phrases 3.

ΚΠ

1599 T. Morton Treat. Nature of God v. 189 His iustice would not in any case suffer that to be done, vnlesse and vntill the death and punishment due vnto their sinnes, were fully suffered.

1624 R. Eburne Plaine Path-way to Plantations ii. 50 Plate of Gold and Siluer, being there and thence prohibited, vnlesse and vntill the Countreys themselues doe or shall hereafter yeeld Metall for them.

1682 R. Richardson in J. Field Thomas Crisp's Envy Detected 22 This would bar telling the Church, unless and untill he can gett the other to come with him there.

1719 J. Barker Conciliatory Let. Proc. Salters-Hall 21 By no means to break Communion with a single Man, unless, and until he appears erroneous.

1761 New Pocket Conveyancer I. 8 Unless and until some default shall happen to be made..the said creditors..shall not nor will sue.

1817 Bury & Norwich Post 8 Jan. No Creditor will be allowed to receive any share of such Dividend, unless and until he shall have made due proof.

1856 Rep. Supreme Court Alabama 27 626 The sale of the slaves was not absolute, until and unless said sum of money was paid.

1881 J. H. Stirling Text-bk. Kant 468 It is not properly Knowledge, unless and until it have an actual perceptive application.

1920 Eng. Hist. Rev. 35 181 The sheriff could take no action until and unless the baron unlawed his tenant.

1956 A. Wilson Anglo-Saxon Attitudes ii. ii. 335 Mother and son had both arrived with the fixed determination of not leaving unless and until either of the two women..should have paid handsomely to secure their departure.

2010 K. Richardson Television Dramatic Dialogue vii. 135 A passing body in a police uniform is a police officer—unless and until proven otherwise.

†2.

a. Used following a verb expressing fear or apprehension to introduce a statement expressing the event that is feared: in case, lest. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1508 J. Fisher Treat. Penyt. Psalmes sig. nn.vi I fere..oneles I shall fal agayne amonge those theues.

1543 T. Becon Invect. against Swearing E iiij b I feare vnlesse we shall be redy..to runne hedlong into hell fyre.

b. Used to introduce a statement expressing something to be prevented or guarded against: to avoid the risk that, for fear that, lest. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1568 T. Hacket tr. A. Thevet New Found Worlde xii. f. 19^v The Christians dare not so easily descende a lande for to trade or to haue refreshing, as in other places, vnlesse they wil be killed or taken for captiues.

a1592 R. Greene Comicall Hist. Alphonsus (1599) i. sig. B1^v Presume not villaine further for to go, Vnles you do at length the same repent.

†3. Without its being the case that. Obsolete. rare.

ΚΠ

1604 Penniles Parl. Threed-bare Poets in Iacke of Dover Quest of Inquirie sig. G2^v A Flea shall not friske foorth, vnlesse they comment on her.

C. prep.

1. Except, apart from, but. Chiefly regional in later use.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > subjected to a condition [preposition] > unless

except1377

nobbuta1400

unless1531

'cept1851

1531–2 Act 23 Henry VIII c. 1 §2 in Statutes of Realm (1963) III. 362 That no Suertye be taken onles suche as maye dyspende..yerly..xxvj s. viij d.

1563 T. Hill Arte Gardening (1574) ii. lxiv. 132 The floures..ought then to be gathered..vnlesse the Lilly..and Rose.

1600 T. Heywood If you know not Me in Wks. (1874) I. 205 All forbeare this place, vnlesse the Princess.

1683 D. A. Whole Art Converse 117 They say nothing unless a meer yes sir or no Madam.

1709 T. Robinson Ess. Nat. Hist. Westmorland & Cumberland viii. 53 Inconsistent..with the Nature of Lead, Copper, Coal, or any other Mineral, unless Iron.

1796 J. Morse Amer. Universal Geogr. (new ed.) II. 33 Unless the Swedish part,..the Laplanders can be said to be under no regular government.

1834 Dublin Uni. Mag. Aug. 124/2 Those governors..must become practical Atheists and forget all responsibility, unless that which they owe to the will of the multitude.

1886 Pall Mall Gaz. 4 Aug. 1/2 He did not believe that he would ever obtain anything..unless a species of elevated poor-law system of government.

1897 E. W. Hamilton Outlaws of Marches iii There's nae man in Liddesdale can sickerly lead a party at night..onless Will Elliot.

1905 Irish Times 26 Aug. 3/4 In no sense would they recognise the obligation of loyalty to the United Kingdom, unless that which might be physically enforced.

1953 in Sc. National Dict. (at cited word) Dey're aa Baltasound boats unless one.

1967 in Dict. Amer. Regional Eng. (2012) V. [Texas] You see, we didn't have anybody to go with us unless Ma and Pa.

1996 M. Flaws & G. Lamb Orkney Dict. 77/2 Thir wir fower folk there unless me.

†2. Without; but for. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1536 in State Papers Henry VIII (1830) I. 469 Soo that, unles the most infinite mercy of God, both bodyes and soules shuld perishe togither.

1796 J. West Gossip's Story I. 190 You instilled into my infant soul principles, which, unless my own fault, must insure my present and future happiness.

D. n.

An utterance or instance of the word ‘unless’; a condition, a reservation, a proviso.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > [noun] > reservation, proviso

conditionc1315

preveance?1316

purview1442

proviso1443

provision1450

saving1478

forprise1530

cautel1541

caveat1579

postulate1588

cautiona1593

non obstante1604

reservation1606

unless1606

reservancy1630

salvo1642

reserve1644

stipulation1792

reserver1807

get-out clause1912

clausula rebus sic stantibus1939

escape clause1945

1606 W. Bradshaw Myld & Iust Def. Certeyne Arguments viii. 110 The King himselfe is chardged, not to grant any inhibition out of his Court of Chauncery, but conditionally and upon an unlesse etc.

1751 S. Richardson Lett. & Passages restored from Clarissa 25 He came with his creeping Unless's.

1823 Cobbett's Weekly Reg 24 May 462 Oh! oh! you come to your unlesses, do you?

1861 C. Dickens in Pall Mall Gaz. 24 Sept. (1891) 3/2 Let us have no unlesses, sir.

1904 R. Hichens Woman with Fan vii There's very often an unless hanging about, like a man at a street corner.

1979 Washington Post (Nexis) 27 July a18 It would be wise to take out a little qualifying insurance here—a few ‘unlesses’ and a couple of ‘provided thats’.

2011 State Jrnl.-Reg. (Springfield, Illinois) (Nexis) 13 July 7 No ifs, ands, buts, maybes or unlesses.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	unless
释义	unlessadv.conj.prep.n. Brit. /(ə)nˈlɛs/, /ʌnˈlɛs/, U.S. /ənˈlɛs/ Forms: α. late Middle English of lasse, late Middle English of lesse; Scottish pre-1700 of les. β. late Middle English o less, late Middle English olesse, late Middle English oo lesse; Scottish pre-1700 ales, pre-1700 oles, 1800s–1900s aless (Shetland). γ. late Middle English uppon lesse, late Middle English vpon less. δ. late Middle English on lasse, late Middle English onlese, late Middle English–1500s onlesse, late Middle English–1600s onles, late Middle English–1600s (1800s– regional) onless, 1500s onelas, 1500s oneles, 1500s onelesse, 1500s onelez, 1500s onlas, 1500s oonles. ε. late Middle English in lasse, late Middle English in less, late Middle English in lesse, late Middle English inlasse, late Middle English yn las, late Middle English yn lasse, 1500s (1800s English regional (southern)) inless, 1500s–1600s inlesse. ζ. late Middle English vnlasse, 1500s–1600s unles, 1500s–1600s unlesse, 1500s–1600s vnles, 1500s–1600s vnless, 1500s–1600s vnlesse, 1500s– unless; also Scottish pre-1700 wnles. Origin: Formed within English, by compounding. Etymons: of prep., less adj.; on prep., less adj.; English o , less adj.; upon prep., less adj.; in prep., less adj. Etymology: In α. forms < of prep. + less adj. (compare less pron. and n. 1). In β. forms probably < o , reduced form of on prep. + less adj., although some such forms could alternatively show formations < o, reduced form of of prep. + less adj. In γ. forms < upon prep. + less adj. In δ. forms < on prep. + less adj. In ε. forms < in prep. + less adj. The ζ. forms developed from the δ. forms by assimilation of the unstressed preposition to un- prefix¹. Compare less conj., and also unlest conj. and lest conj. †A. adv. Only in conjunctional phrases followed by than or that. 1. Forming a conjunctional phrase introducing a case in which an exception to a preceding negative statement (expressed or implied) will or may exist: (not) on a less or lower condition, requirement, etc., than (what is specified). Obsolete. ΚΠ 1414 Rolls of Parl.: Henry V (Electronic ed.) Parl. Apr. 1414 §22. m. 3 So as hit hath evere be thair liberte et fredom, that thar sholde no statut no lawe be made of lasse than they yaf ther to their assent. ?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 122 But þat may not be, vpon less þan wee mowe falle toward heuene. 1474–5 Rolls of Parl.: Edward IV (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1472 3rd Roll §22. m. 24 His land, which many persones..fere to take.., olesse then they myght be made verrey sure of payment. a1500 in C. T. Martin Chancery Proc. 15th Cent. in Archaeologia (1904) 59 5 Robert wil not suffre hym to be laten to baile on lasse than he will make..a generall acquytaunce. 1581 J. Merbecke Bk. of Notes 551 He should neuer haue had such a Crosse layed on him vnlesse then he had also outwardly and openly lyued in wickednesse. 1659 J. Sparrow tr. J. Böhme Fifth Bk. Authour i. xi. 87 There was no remedy more, unless then the Deity did move it self. 2. Forming a conjunctional phrase introducing a case in which an exception to a preceding (or following) statement will or may exist: except if, if..not. a. Followed by that: except that, if it is not that. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1418 in T. Rymer Fœdera (1709) IX. 630 (MED) The which..the King wol not doo in noo Wise, olesse that thay do soo to him therfor as he woll hold him content. 1485 Malory's Morte Darthur (Caxton) i. x. sig. avii Onlesse that our kyng haue more chyualry.., he shal be ouercome. 1529 T. Wolsey in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1824) II. 7 Onles that ye..do help and releve me therein. 1534 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Star Chamber (1911) II. 211 [They] cowde not..sell so myche..onelez that they wold sell so reassonable a pennyworthe. 1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. iii. sig. Bb7 Ne would I gladly combate with mine host,..Vnlesse that I were thereunto enforst. View more context for this quotation 1651 J. Ellistone tr. J. Böhme Signatura Rerum 176 The Root of the Abominate becomes a poysonful Mercury, unless that the Heat cold be afore Temperized with Venus and Jupiter. a1692 ( in J. Stevenson Lett. & Papers Illustr. Wars Eng. in France (1864) II. 458 The kyng conceyveth wele that onlesse that it like him so to tendre the saide duc he [etc.]. b. Followed by than. Obsolete.In some later quots. then may alternatively be interpreted as an instance of then adv. (rather than a variant of than conj.), and unless as a simple conjunction (see branch B.). ΚΠ 1429–30 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Sept. 1429 §27. m. 11 Olesse than the resones of that other partie cause hem to condescende forthwith unto hem, the mater shal dwelle in deliberation to the next day of counseill. c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 386 He and alle hise successouris ben..excludid for euer, in lasse thanne the same good be ȝouun aȝen. 1467 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 408 Vppon peyn of euery man so failynge, vn-lasse then he haue a sufficient depute, of xl d. 1530 W. Tyndale Prol. Gen. A v Inlesse then we entend to be ydle disputers, and braulers aboute vayne wordes. 1574 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Serm. on Job (new ed.) lxxxiii. 428/2 Vnlesse then wee do thus particularly examine our selues, we shall neuer perceyue our iniquities. 1612 M. Drayton Poly-olbion xii. 205 Vnlesse then through your thirst of Emperie you meane Both Nations in these broyles shall be extinguisht cleane, Select you Champions fit. 1671 R. West Profitableness of Piety 16 Unless then you had rather be poor and wretched Sinners..Exercise your selves unto Godliness. B. conj. 1. a. Used to introduce a statement expressing a case in which an exception to a preceding (or following) statement will or may exist: except if, if..not. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > on condition that [conjunction] > except, unless warne1340 savea1393 lessa1400 unless1473 except that if1513 except1526 excepta1616 'cept1851 1473 in C. L. Kingsford Stonor Lett. & Papers (1919) I. 135 (MED) In lasse ye make another ordinaunce þerfor, your housyng of your tenentre wolbe lost. 1509 J. Fisher Serm. Henry VIJ (de Worde) sig. Avi^v There is no man..oneles he haue it by reuelacyon y^t knoweth certaynly [etc.]. 1563 W. Baldwin et al. Myrrour for Magistrates (new ed.) Blacke Smyth lxviii For one [talent] is to much, onles it be well spent. 1607 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 442 Margory Davies..wold not remove her habitacion onles she might haue a way..to passe [etc.]. 1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ ii. iii. §5 Will God condemn them for that, which it was impossible they should have, unless God gave it them? 1710 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 8 Oct. (1948) I. 48 I was at a loss to-day for a dinner, unless I would have gone a great way. 1752 E. Young Brothers i. i Dominion, and the princess, both are lost, Unless you gain the king. 1820 R. Southey Life Wesley II. 211 No person was admitted to this rank, unless he were thought competent by the preachers of the circuit. 1877 J. Ruskin Fors Clavigera VII. lxxx. 234 I am never angry with anybody unless they deserve it. 1918 T. Manson Humours of Peat Comm. I. 78 I niver laek ta du a thing aless I can du it richt. 1919 T. S. Eliot Let. 1 June (1988) I. 298 There I suppose I charter a taxi to your house, unless I hear other instructions from you. 1963 J. R. Leggett Services Estate Agent ix. 61 Sale by auction is the only sensible method, unless you fancy your chance of haggling with a dealer. 2014 Observer 13 July (Tech Monthly Suppl.) 30/2 It is very hard to distinguish degrees of ripeness by eye, unless the grapes are excessively under-ripe. b. Followed by an adverb, phrase, or participial clause without verb, expressing the manner, place, time, or other circumstance in which an exception to a preceding (or following) statement applies: except, except if. ΚΠ 1547 J. Harrison Exhort. Scottes sig. b.vi^v I wil vse for the more parte the testimonies either of Scottish chronicles, or forein writers, and litle of the Englishe, onlesse where bothe Scottishe and Englishe do agre. 1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Priuate Baptisme f. v^v [That] the people..differ not the Baptisme of infantes..onlesse vpon a great & reasonable cause. ?1610 J. Fletcher Faithfull Shepheardesse* v. sig. K4 Let not wine Vnlesse in sacrifice or rites deuine, Be euer knowen of Shepheards. 1681 J. Dryden Absalom & Achitophel 19 Nor ever was he known..[to] Curse unless against the Government. 1721 R. Bradley Philos. Acct. Wks. Nature 77 We had no Frost or Snow.., unless in the most Inland Parts. 1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones VI. xvii. ix. 155 Jones passed above twenty-four melancholy Hours by himself, unless when relieved by the Company of Partridge. View more context for this quotation 1789 C. Smith Ethelinde II. vii. 165 But I dare not shew them, unless to you. 1817 W. Scott Rob Roy I. v. 94 A beautiful horse, jet black, unless where he was flecked by spots of..foam. 1839 J. Shedd Reasons for rejecting Doctr. Endless Damnation Pref. 4 Such a visible reluctance that they on perceiving it, did not wish to hear, unless privately. 1897 M. Kingsley Trav. W. Afr. 439 They never wear clothes unless compelled to. 1930 J. E. Kirkwood N. Rocky Mt. Trees & Shrubs 221 It is probably very rare, unless in the southern or southwestern part of the state. 1984 P. White Let. 29 May (1994) xv. 591 I gather the railroads don't count for much any more—unless when the Long White Train rides, carrying its load of nuclear warheads. 2009 S. Flick Reconsidering Happiness 91 In the midst of her messy divorce, they'd all learned to ignore her unless spoken to. c. unless and until (also until and unless): (used for greater emphasis) except if, except in the event that. Cf. as and when at as adv. and conj. Phrases 1e, if and when at if conj. and n. Phrases 3. ΚΠ 1599 T. Morton Treat. Nature of God v. 189 His iustice would not in any case suffer that to be done, vnlesse and vntill the death and punishment due vnto their sinnes, were fully suffered. 1624 R. Eburne Plaine Path-way to Plantations ii. 50 Plate of Gold and Siluer, being there and thence prohibited, vnlesse and vntill the Countreys themselues doe or shall hereafter yeeld Metall for them. 1682 R. Richardson in J. Field Thomas Crisp's Envy Detected 22 This would bar telling the Church, unless and untill he can gett the other to come with him there. 1719 J. Barker Conciliatory Let. Proc. Salters-Hall 21 By no means to break Communion with a single Man, unless, and until he appears erroneous. 1761 New Pocket Conveyancer I. 8 Unless and until some default shall happen to be made..the said creditors..shall not nor will sue. 1817 Bury & Norwich Post 8 Jan. No Creditor will be allowed to receive any share of such Dividend, unless and until he shall have made due proof. 1856 Rep. Supreme Court Alabama 27 626 The sale of the slaves was not absolute, until and unless said sum of money was paid. 1881 J. H. Stirling Text-bk. Kant 468 It is not properly Knowledge, unless and until it have an actual perceptive application. 1920 Eng. Hist. Rev. 35 181 The sheriff could take no action until and unless the baron unlawed his tenant. 1956 A. Wilson Anglo-Saxon Attitudes ii. ii. 335 Mother and son had both arrived with the fixed determination of not leaving unless and until either of the two women..should have paid handsomely to secure their departure. 2010 K. Richardson Television Dramatic Dialogue vii. 135 A passing body in a police uniform is a police officer—unless and until proven otherwise. †2. a. Used following a verb expressing fear or apprehension to introduce a statement expressing the event that is feared: in case, lest. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1508 J. Fisher Treat. Penyt. Psalmes sig. nn.vi I fere..oneles I shall fal agayne amonge those theues. 1543 T. Becon Invect. against Swearing E iiij b I feare vnlesse we shall be redy..to runne hedlong into hell fyre. b. Used to introduce a statement expressing something to be prevented or guarded against: to avoid the risk that, for fear that, lest. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1568 T. Hacket tr. A. Thevet New Found Worlde xii. f. 19^v The Christians dare not so easily descende a lande for to trade or to haue refreshing, as in other places, vnlesse they wil be killed or taken for captiues. a1592 R. Greene Comicall Hist. Alphonsus (1599) i. sig. B1^v Presume not villaine further for to go, Vnles you do at length the same repent. †3. Without its being the case that. Obsolete. rare. ΚΠ 1604 Penniles Parl. Threed-bare Poets in Iacke of Dover Quest of Inquirie sig. G2^v A Flea shall not friske foorth, vnlesse they comment on her. C. prep. 1. Except, apart from, but. Chiefly regional in later use. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > subjected to a condition [preposition] > unless except1377 nobbuta1400 unless1531 'cept1851 1531–2 Act 23 Henry VIII c. 1 §2 in Statutes of Realm (1963) III. 362 That no Suertye be taken onles suche as maye dyspende..yerly..xxvj s. viij d. 1563 T. Hill Arte Gardening (1574) ii. lxiv. 132 The floures..ought then to be gathered..vnlesse the Lilly..and Rose. 1600 T. Heywood If you know not Me in Wks. (1874) I. 205 All forbeare this place, vnlesse the Princess. 1683 D. A. Whole Art Converse 117 They say nothing unless a meer yes sir or no Madam. 1709 T. Robinson Ess. Nat. Hist. Westmorland & Cumberland viii. 53 Inconsistent..with the Nature of Lead, Copper, Coal, or any other Mineral, unless Iron. 1796 J. Morse Amer. Universal Geogr. (new ed.) II. 33 Unless the Swedish part,..the Laplanders can be said to be under no regular government. 1834 Dublin Uni. Mag. Aug. 124/2 Those governors..must become practical Atheists and forget all responsibility, unless that which they owe to the will of the multitude. 1886 Pall Mall Gaz. 4 Aug. 1/2 He did not believe that he would ever obtain anything..unless a species of elevated poor-law system of government. 1897 E. W. Hamilton Outlaws of Marches iii There's nae man in Liddesdale can sickerly lead a party at night..onless Will Elliot. 1905 Irish Times 26 Aug. 3/4 In no sense would they recognise the obligation of loyalty to the United Kingdom, unless that which might be physically enforced. 1953 in Sc. National Dict. (at cited word) Dey're aa Baltasound boats unless one. 1967 in Dict. Amer. Regional Eng. (2012) V. [Texas] You see, we didn't have anybody to go with us unless Ma and Pa. 1996 M. Flaws & G. Lamb Orkney Dict. 77/2 Thir wir fower folk there unless me. †2. Without; but for. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1536 in State Papers Henry VIII (1830) I. 469 Soo that, unles the most infinite mercy of God, both bodyes and soules shuld perishe togither. 1796 J. West Gossip's Story I. 190 You instilled into my infant soul principles, which, unless my own fault, must insure my present and future happiness. D. n. An utterance or instance of the word ‘unless’; a condition, a reservation, a proviso. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > [noun] > reservation, proviso conditionc1315 preveance?1316 purview1442 proviso1443 provision1450 saving1478 forprise1530 cautel1541 caveat1579 postulate1588 cautiona1593 non obstante1604 reservation1606 unless1606 reservancy1630 salvo1642 reserve1644 stipulation1792 reserver1807 get-out clause1912 clausula rebus sic stantibus1939 escape clause1945 1606 W. Bradshaw Myld & Iust Def. Certeyne Arguments viii. 110 The King himselfe is chardged, not to grant any inhibition out of his Court of Chauncery, but conditionally and upon an unlesse etc. 1751 S. Richardson Lett. & Passages restored from Clarissa 25 He came with his creeping Unless's. 1823 Cobbett's Weekly Reg 24 May 462 Oh! oh! you come to your unlesses, do you? 1861 C. Dickens in Pall Mall Gaz. 24 Sept. (1891) 3/2 Let us have no unlesses, sir. 1904 R. Hichens Woman with Fan vii There's very often an unless hanging about, like a man at a street corner. 1979 Washington Post (Nexis) 27 July a18 It would be wise to take out a little qualifying insurance here—a few ‘unlesses’ and a couple of ‘provided thats’. 2011 State Jrnl.-Reg. (Springfield, Illinois) (Nexis) 13 July 7 No ifs, ands, buts, maybes or unlesses. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < adv.conj.prep.n.1414
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