a. Also 5–6 wannyssh(e, 6 -yshe, wanishe, 7 -ish. [f. WAN a. + -ISH.] Somewhat wan; somewhat pale, dull, lusterless, or livid.

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a. 1412[?].  Lydg., Two Merchants, 326. His vryne … was ful thynne and wannyssh for to see.

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1545.  Raynalde, Byrth Mankynde, 122. The which causethe … the eye sight to waxe wannysshe or tawnye.

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a. 1547.  Surrey, Poems, ‘This name,’ 13. And eke the wanishe moone whiche sheenes by night also.

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1585.  Higins, Junius’ Nomencl., 438/2. With blacke wannish spots.

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1594.  R. C[arew], Tasso (1881), 73. He that graund foe was aie to human kind, His wannish eyes [i lividi occhi] doth on the Christians cast.

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1601.  Holland, Pliny, XXI. xxi. II. 108. The day Lillie Hemerocalles, hath leaves of a pale and wannish greene colour.

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1630.  Milton, Passion, 35. The leaves should all be black wheron I write, And letters where my tears have washt a wannish white.

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1784.  Cowper, Task, I. 309. Paler some, And of a wannish gray.

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1820.  Keats, Lamia, I. 57. Upon her crest she wore a wannish fire.

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1855.  Tennyson, Maud, I. vi. i. No sun, but a wannish glare In fold upon fold of hueless cloud.

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