ppl. a. (UN-1 10.)
1581. Sidney, Apol. Poetrie (Arb.), 62. They that delight in Poesie it selfe, should … looke themselues in an vnflattering Glasse of reason.
1651. Sherburne, Salmacis, 283. The Neighbouring Lake,… In whose unflattering Mirrour, every Morn, She Counsell takes how best her self t’adorn.
1704. Norris, Ideal World, II. iii. 257. A faithful and unflattering representation of his beloved object.
1823. Byron, Juan, IX. x. To you the unflattering Muse deigns to inscribe Truths, that you will not read in the Gazettes.
1873. H. Rogers, Orig. Bible, ii. (1875), 96. A plan so unflattering to man’s self-righteousness.
So Unflatteringly adv.
1874. Fortn. Rev., Feb., 246. Our most popular poet … unflatteringly compares them to ‘broken lights.’
