wanchancy

/ wɒnˈtʃænsɪ /

adjective

1. unlucky

2. dangerous; risky

3. uncanny; eerie

Word History and Origins

Origin of wanchancy¹

C18: from wanchance ill luck, from wan- prefix expressing negation or privation + _chance

Example Sentences

"Indeed, Robin, I'll be better advised before I gie it back to you; it is a wanchancy weapon in a Highlandman's hand, and I am thinking you will be about some barns-breaking."

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And then the ae boat set aff for North Berwick, an’ the tither lay whaur it was and watched the wanchancy thing on the brae-side.

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An’ that wanchancy annual sang I ne’er can send them!”

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Lord save us a’l but it’s an unco life to be a sailor—a cauld, wanchancy life.

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And then the ae boat set aff for North Berwick, an' the tither lay whaur it was and watched the wanchancy thing on the braeside.

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