ill-use, v.
(ˌɪlˈjuːz)
[Properly two words, ill adv. + use vb., which under the influence of ill-used (aided, perhaps, by abuse, misuse) have come to be hyphened.]
trans. To ‘use’ or treat badly; to deal cruelly, unkindly, or inconsiderately with.
| 1841 Browning Pippa Passes Introd. 30 If thou ill-usest Me, who am only Pippa. 1858 Ld. St. Leonards Handy-Bk. Prop. Law xiii. 80 The object of the Act was to protect mothers from the tyranny of husbands who ill-use them. 1876 T. Hardy Ethelberta (1890) 79, I would..never desert you, ill-use me how you might! |