Dictionary entry

Uncouth

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Un‐couth″ (ŭn‐ko͞oth″), a. [OE. uncouth, AS. uncūð unknown, strange: un- (see Un- not) + cūð known, p. p. of cunnan to know. See Can to be able, and cf. Unco, Unked.] 1. Unknown. “This uncouth errand.” Milton.

To leave the good that I had in hand,

In hope of better that was uncouth. Spenser.

2. Uncommon; rare; exquisite; elegant.

Harness... so uncouth and so rich. Chaucer.

3. Unfamiliar; strange; hence, mysterious; dreadful; also, odd; awkward; boorish; as, uncouth manners. “Uncouth in guise and gesture.” I. Taylor.

I am surprised with an uncouth fear. Shak.

Thus sang the uncouth swain. Milton.

Syn. — See Awkward.

— Un‐couth″ly, adv. — Un‐couth″ness, n.