womanish
English
Etymology
From Middle English wommanyssh. Equivalent to woman + -ish.
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 95: Parameter 1 should be a valid language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL. IPA(key): /ˈwʊmənɪʃ/
Adjective
womanish (comparative more womanish, superlative most womanish)
- (often derogatory) Characteristic of a woman; feminine; effeminate. [from 14th c.]
- 1946, Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, I.20:
- Friends are a comfort in misfortune, but one should not make them unhappy by seeking their sympathy, as is done by women and womanish men.
- 1982, Lawrence Durrell, Constance, Faber & Faber 2004 (Avignon Quintet), p. 753:
- Perhaps he did too, for he turned scarlet and turned his face away to the wall, with a womanish gesture of shyness.
- 1946, Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, I.20:
- Carried out by or pertaining to a woman. [from 14th c.]
- 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, III.7:
- And gan recomfort her in her rude wyse, / With womanish compassion of her plaint, / Wiping the teares from her suffused eyes [...].
- 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, III.7:
Related terms
Translations
characteristic of a woman
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