wellaway

English

Etymology

From Middle English weylawey, from Old English weg-lā-weg, alteration of wā lā wā, with substitution of Old Norse vei for Old English wā. Compare wellawo, weila.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /wɛləˈweɪ/

Interjection

wellaway

1. (archaic) Expression of sadness, regret, etc.
   • 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, II.vi:

     Crying with pitteous voice, and count'nance wan; / Ah well away, most noble Lords, how can / Your cruell eyes endure so pitteous sight [...]?

Quotations

• For more quotations using this term, see Citations:wellaway.

Alternative forms

• welaway, well away
• welladay, well-a-day

Related terms

• alas