withershins

[ with-er-shinz ]

adverb

, Chiefly Scot.

1. in a direction contrary to the natural one, especially contrary to the apparent course of the sun or counterclockwise: considered as unlucky or causing disaster.

withershins

/ ˈwɪðəˌʃɪnz; ˈwɪðər- /

adverb

1. in the direction contrary to the apparent course of the sun; anticlockwise
2. See deasil
   in a direction contrary to the usual; in the wrong direction Compare deasil

Word History and Origins

Origin of withershins¹

First recorded in 1505–15; from Middle Low German weddersin(ne)s, from Middle High German widdersinnes, equivalent to wider ( Old High German widar ) “opposite” ( with ) + sinnes, genitive of sin “way, course” (cognate with Old English sīth ); send ¹, -s ¹; deasil ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of withershins¹

C16: from Middle Low German weddersinnes, from Middle High German, literally: opposite course, from wider against + sinnes, genitive of sin course

Example Sentences

Having arrived at their rendezvous, they danced round it ‘withershins’—that is, in reverse of the apparent motion of the sun.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a rough insulated mass, of considerable dimensions, and it is held unlucky to ride thrice withershins around it.

From Project Gutenberg

But this is telling our tale "withershins about," as they say in Netherby.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. German Doustercivil, the agent at Glen-Withershins mining-works.

From Project Gutenberg

To go round the person in the opposite direction, or “withershins,” is an evil incantation and brings ill-fortune.

From Project Gutenberg