Find the word definition

The Collaborative International Dictionary
Overthwart

Overthwart \O"ver*thwart"\, adv. Across; crosswise; transversely. ``Y'clenched overthwart and endelong.''
--Chaucer.

Overthwart

Overthwart \O"ver*thwart"\, prep. Across; from alde to side of. ``Huge trees overthwart one another.''
--Milton.

Overthwart

Overthwart \O"ver*thwart`\, n. That which is overthwart; an adverse circumstance; opposition. [Obs.]
--Surrey.

Overthwart

Overthwart \O`ver*thwart"\, v. t. To cross; to oppose. [Obs.]

Overthwart

Overthwart \O"ver*thwart"\ ([=o]"v[~e]r*thw[add]rt"), a.

  1. Having a transverse position; placed or situated across; hence, opposite. ``Our overthwart neighbors.''
    --Dryden.

  2. Crossing in kind or disposition; perverse; adverse; opposing. ``Overthwart humor.''
    --Clarendon.

Wiktionary
overthwart

a. 1 Having a transverse position; placed or situated across; hence, opposite. 2 Crossing in kind or disposition; perverse; adverse; opposing. n. (context obsolete English) That which is overthwart; an adverse circumstance; opposition. prep. (label en archaic UK dialect) From one side to the other of; across.

Usage examples of "overthwart".

There he met with store of exceeding great ice all this coast along, and, coveting still to continue his course to the northward, was always by contrary wind detained overthwart these straits, and could not get beyond.

Sir Gawaine went out of the castle and supped in a pavilion and presently Sir Pelleas found them clipped in sleep and he left his naked sword overthwart both their throats and made marvellous dole and sorrow.

And thus they rode nigh a quarter of a year, endlong and overthwart, in many places, forests and wilderness, and oft-times were evil lodged for his sake.