wedgewiseadv.
/ˈwɛdʒwʌɪz/, U.S. /ˈwɛdʒˌwaɪz/ After the manner, in the form, of a wedge.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > fact or condition of tapering > [adverb] > like a wedge
wedgewise1548
1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Cuneatim, wedgewyse, by lyttell bandes or companies, imbattayled wedgewise.
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. ii. l. 79 They..with a pointed battaile wedgewise pierced through and made themselves passage.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 456 It lieth Wedg-wise upon the sea.
1657 R. Carpenter Astrol. Proved Harmless 28 That these words may be understood to the bottom, and withstand all Objections; and that no opposition may wedge-wise enter upon them.
1703 R. Neve City & Countrey Purchaser 10 Bricks moulded..Wedge-wise, broader above, than they are below.
1852 A. De Morgan Let. 27 Sept. in R. P. Graves Life Sir W. R. Hamilton (1889) III. 415 Nothing but two sheets of thin pasteboard..with three bits of book~covering cloth..pasted on, so as to open out wedgewise.
1900 M. Hewlett Life & Death Richard Yea-and-Nay ii. ix Inside the town gate they took up close order, wedgewise, linked and riveted.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1926; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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adv.1548