withershins

Also �ɾ��·��·��󾱲Բ�

[with-er-shinz]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adverb

Chiefly Scot.

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

/ ˈwɪðər-, ˈwɪðəˌʃɪnz /

adverb

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

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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 ��ī�ٳ� ); send ¹, -s ¹; deasil ( def. )

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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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"Withershins" and "The Psychedelic Gedankenexperiment" will be on display through Sept.

From

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

From

Withershins, Widdershins, with′-, wid′ėr-shinz, adv.

From

The dancers join hands and dance in a circle from west to east, in a contrary direction to the sun's movements—withershins as the Scots peasants have it.

From

The world swayed round me and the green trees ran withershins about.

From

withers Witherspoon

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