nayward

English

Etymology

nay +‎ -ward

Noun

nayward (uncountable)

1. (obsolete) A state of denial, disbelief; the negative side.
   • c. 1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Winters Tale”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, (please specify the act number in uppercase Roman numerals, and the scene number in lowercase Roman numerals):

     And I'll be sworn you would believe my saying,
     Howe'er you lean to th' nayward.