a. [UN-1 7]
1. Not in harmony with, or authorized by, the political constitution; at variance with the recognized principles of the state.
1765. Blackstone, Comm., I. 245. Whenever the unconstitutional oppressions, even of the Sovereign power,… threaten desolation to a State.
1770. Junius Lett., xxxix. (1778), 220. The unconstitutional employment of the military.
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., vii. II. 210. That the Declaration of Indulgence was unconstitutional is a point on which both the great English parties have always been entirely agreed.
1893. Times, 29 April. Lord S. described such a step as in the highest degree unconstitutional.
2. Not inherent in, or in accordance with, a person’s constitution.
1794. Godwin, Caleb Williams, 198. The keeper once more made his appearance … with his former unconstitutional and ambiguous humanity.
Hence Unconstitutionally adv.
1791. Gentl. Mag., Jan., 32. I am concerned … to see you unconstitutionally adopting a French word when there is no occasion.
1845. Ld. Campbell, Chancellors (1857), IV. lxxxix. 215. The bill had been unconstitutionally got rid of.
1889. Sir S. Walpole, Life Ld. J. Russell, xxiv. II. 202. It was … asserted, that the Prince was interfering unconstitutionally both in foreign and domestic affairs.
