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Webster 1913 Edition


Wayward

Way′ward

,
Adj.
[OE.
weiward
, for
aweiward
, i. e., turned away. See
Away
, and
-ward
.]
Taking one’s own way; disobedient; froward; perverse; willful.
My wife is in a
wayward
mood.
Shakespeare
Wayward
beauty doth not fancy move.
Fairfax.
Wilt thou forgive the
wayward
thought?
Keble.
Way′ward-ly
,
adv.
Way′ward-ness
,
Noun.

Webster 1828 Edition


Wayward

WAYWARD

,
Adj.
[way and ward.] Froward; peevish; perverse; liking his own way.
Wayward beauty doth not fancy move.

Definition 2024


wayward

wayward

English

Adjective

wayward (comparative more wayward, superlative most wayward)

  1. given to wilful, perverse deviation from the expected norm; tending to stray
  2. obstinate, contrary and unpredictable
  3. (sports) not on target
    • 2011 September 2, Phil McNulty, “Bulgaria 0-3 England”, in BBC:
      Bulgaria's only attacking weapon was the wayward shooting of Martin Petrov, whereas England's attacking options were awash with movement in the shape of Rooney, Young and Walcott.

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