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

[theidolhands.livejournal.com]

There is a terrific scene in "Dead Like Me" (tv show) where a character repeatedly uses the word "askance" as a way to catch gravelings (you can't see them if you look directly at them).

[trellia-chan.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I remember that show. :-D But I don't remember the use of "askance." Was it Mason?

[theidolhands.livejournal.com]

It was Rube!

[theidolhands.livejournal.com]

I think of askance as even less than sideways, like the very corner of your eye. Almost behind you.