incorrect, a.
(ɪnkəˈrɛkt)
[ad. L. incorrect-us: see in-3 and correct; cf. also F. incorrect (1421 in Hatz.-Darm.).]
† 1. Uncorrected; not corrected or amended; unchastened. Obs.
| 1432–50 tr. Higden (Rolls) III. 73 So the yere stode as incorrecte from that tyme vn to the tymes of Iulius Cesar. 1435 Misyn Fire of Love 56 Þe synar awdyr þa leef [either they leave] incorrect, or if [þai] correc or snyb þe synnar, with so grete scharpnes & ferisnes þai speke [etc.]. 1602 Shakes. Ham. i. ii. 95 To perseuer In obstinate Condolement, is a course Of impious stubbornesse... It shewes a will most incorrect to Heauen. |
2. Of a book: Uncorrected for the press; containing many scribal or typographical errors.
| c 1484 Caxton Cant. Tales (ed. 2) Pref., Of whyche bookes so incorrecte was one broughte to me vi. yere passyd. 1774 Warton Eng. Poetry lvi. (1840) III. 290, I have a most incorrect black lettered copy in duodecimo. 1850 L. Hunt Autobiogr. vii. 136 The plays of Shakespeare..the incorrectest publication that ever issued from the press. |
3. Of style, action, etc.: Not in conformity with a recognized standard; improper, faulty.
| 1672 Dryden Def. Epil. Conq. Granada, The Wit of the last Age was yet more incorrect than their Language. 1735 Pope Prol. Sat. 45 The piece, you think, is incorrect? why, take it, I'm all submission, what you'd have it, make it. 1834 Medwin Angler in Wales I. 100 According to the immortal Brummel, it is highly incorrect to be helped a second time to soup. 1883 C. J. Wills Mod. Persia 96 A practice that was considered incorrect. |
4. Of a statement, etc.: Not in accordance with fact; erroneous, inaccurate.
| 1828 Webster, Incorrect,..2 Not according to truth; inaccurate; as, an incorrect statement, narration or calculation. 1858 Carlyle Fredk. Gt. i. v. 43 This is the..account; incorrect in some unessential particulars. 1860 Tyndall Glac. ii. xxvi. 373, I had reason to believe that this statement was incorrect. 1881 Shorthouse J. Inglesant ii. (1883) 22 That lazy facility which always gives a meaning, though often an incorrect one. |