Wednesday word: askance

[trellia-chan.livejournal.com]

askance: [uh-skans]

adverb:

1. With disapproval, mistrust, or suspicion. Scornfully. She looked askance at the fine print on the contract.

2. With a side glance. Sidewise. Obliquely. The writer looked askance at the wall clock as he finished the last paragraph.

Obsure origin, but first known use 1520-1530, previously a scanche, a scance, a scaunce.

I'm not sure I like this word.  Seems like there are plenty of more attractive ways to get these ideas across.

Comments

[belovedwarrior.livejournal.com]

I asked about his family, did you see his answer?
His hands started fidgeting, he looked askance.
He’s penniless; he’s flying by the seat of his pants!

[trellia-chan.livejournal.com]

Best use of the word I've seen so far!