Obs. [f. AWK a. + -LY2.]
1. In the wrong direction, in backhanded or left-handed wise; hence, sinisterly, unluckily.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 18. Awkly or wrongly, sinistre.
1564. Golding, Trogus Pomp., 18. They [the Egyptians] write their letters awkelie [i.e. from right to left]. Ibid. (1565), Ovid’s Met., V. (1593), 109. Beguild as then by birds that aukly flew.
1603. Holland, Plutarch’s Mor., 148. Ignorant and untaught persons many times when fortune presenteth herselfe unto them on the right hand, receive her awkly, turning to the left side.
1639. J. Clarke, Parœmiologia, 7. To doe any thing unluckily, awkley.
2. Perversely, untowardly.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 18. Awkely, or wrawely, perverse, contrarie.
1612. T. Taylor, Comm. Titus ii. 9. Many seruants … cast off all care of pleasing, aukly attempt and performe their businesse as at a wrong end, or with a left hand.
3. In ungainly fashion, clumsily, awkwardly.
1603. Sir C. Heydon, Jud. Astrol., iii. 120. His Phrase sowndes awkly in mine eares.
1662. Fuller, Worthies, I. 150. For one that undertaketh a thing awkely or ungeenly, Camelus saltat.
