wanchancy

English

Etymology

From wan- +‎ chancy. Compare unchancy.

Adjective

wanchancy (comparative more wanchancy, superlative most wanchancy)

1. (dialectal, chiefly Scotland) Unlucky; unchancy.
2. (dialectal, chiefly Scotland) Wicked.
   • 1902, John Buchan, The Outgoing of the Tide:

     It was the day of warlocks and apparitions, now happily driven out by the zeal of the General Assembly. Witches pursued their wanchancy calling, bairns were spirited away, young lassies selled their souls to the Evil One, and the Accuser of the Brethren, in the shape of a black tyke, was seen about cottage doors in the gloaming.

Related terms

• wanchance