asquint
English
Etymology
From Middle English asquint, asquynt, asqweynt, equivalent to a- (“on, at”) + a word related to Dutch schuinte (“tilt, slant, slope”), Saterland Frisian Schüünte (“slope, slant”), West Frisian skeante (“slope, slant”), German Low German Schüünte (“angle, slant, slope, pitch”). Compare also Middle English askoin, askoyn, of skwyn (“on a slant, askance”), Dutch schuin (“oblique, slanting, sloping”), West Frisian skean (“oblique, slanting, sloping”), German Low German schüün (“slanting”), Norwegian skeina (“to move obliquely”).
Pronunciation
Adjective
asquint (not comparable)
- Looking sideways, as though warily.
- Eyes asquint, he saw she was driving much too fast.
Adverb
asquint (not comparable)
- With narrowed eyes.
- 1832 — Edgar Allan Poe, Loss of Breath
- It is not to be supposed, however, that in the delivery of such passages I was found at all deficient in the looking asquint—the showing my teeth—the working my knees—the shuffling my feet—or in any of those unmentionable graces which are now justly considered the characteristics of a popular performe
- 1832 — Edgar Allan Poe, Loss of Breath
Derived terms
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- English terms inherited from Middle English
- English terms derived from Middle English
- English terms prefixed with a-
- English 2-syllable words
- English terms with IPA pronunciation
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- English adverbs
- English uncomparable adverbs