ill-starred, a.
(ˈɪlˈstɑːd)
[f. ill a. + star n. + -ed2.]
Born under, or having one's fortunes governed by, an evil star (according to astrological belief); unfortunate, unlucky, ill-fated.
| 1604 Shakes. Oth. v. ii. 272 How dost thou looke now? Oh ill-Starr'd wench, Pale as thy Smocke. a 1763 Shenstone Elegies vi. 31 Ill-starr'd birds, that, listening, not admir'd. 1867 Howells Ital. Journ. 268 That ill-starred prince. |
b. transf. Of actions, etc.: Disastrous.
| c 1704 Prior Henry & Emma 593 A useless sorrow, and an ill-starr'd love. 1835 Miss Sedgwick Linwoods (1873) I. 143 The worst ill luck in life..is an ill-starred marriage. |