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."

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg