The Collaborative International Dictionary
Unawares \Un`a*wares"\, adv.
Without design or preparation; suddenly; without
premeditation, unexpectedly. ``Mercies lighting unawares.''
--J. H. Newman.
Lest unawares we lose
This our high place, our sanctuary, our hill.
--Milton.
At unaware, or At unawares, unexpectedly; by surprise.
He breaks at unawares upon our walks.
--Dryden.
So we met
In this old sleepy town an at unaware.
--R.
Browning.
Usage examples of "at unawares".
The Noldor, outnumbered and taken at unawares, were yet swiftly victorious.
Two hours and more the knights continued to strike and parry, to thrust and ward, neither showing any sign of weariness, nor ever being taken at unawares.
A veteran politician, such as he would never fall asleep with wide-open eyes, lest some enemy or mischiefmaker, taking him thus at unawares, should peep through these windows into his consciousness, and make strange discoveries among the reminiscences, projects, hopes, apprehensions, weaknesses, and strong points, which he has heretofore shared with nobody.