poor-spirited
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of poor-spirited
First recorded in 1655–65
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Wenceslaus, the well-intentioned but poor-spirited King, was quite unable to keep peace between the rival factions, and could only slip out of his difficulties by dying, August 16, 1419.
From The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 07 by Johnson, Rossiter
To his mind any display of appreciation was poor-spirited.
From Three Little Cousins by Blanchard, Amy Ella
The most poor-spirited governess expects to keep her pupils in their classroom during school hours, even though she may not be able to exercise control over them while they are there.
From A Fourth Form Friendship A School Story by Brazil, Angela
Don't you be afraid, and don't show yourself poor-spirited.
From The Giant's Robe by Anstey, F.
And to appear poor-spirited in her eyes, too! and to see the others stare at times, and to be aware of quiet glances exchanged, and of meaning eyes!
From The Reckoning by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.