Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun rare The negative side.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun obsolete a state of denial, disbelief

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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Examples

  • "Fear not," said Susan, as one who well knew the nature of her kinswoman; "belike she will have cooled to-morrow, all the more because father said naught to the nayward."

    Unknown to History: a story of the captivity of Mary of Scotland Charlotte Mary Yonge 1862

  • One of the Whittingtonian curates had taken the boys to the ice in the parks, and taught them so effectively, that Clement was one of the best skaters in Bexley; but he was too much inclined to the nayward not to reply, 'I have to practise that anthem for Wednesday.'

    The Pillars of the House, V1 Charlotte Mary Yonge 1862

Comments

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  • Pairs well with wayward.

    August 22, 2014