unˈwittily, adv.
[f. unwitty a., or un-1 11.]
† 1. In an ignorant, unwise, or foolish manner; unwisely. Obs.
| 1362 Langl. P. Pl. A. iii. 101 Unwittily, ywys, wrouht hastou ofte. 1375 Barbour Bruce vi. 523 (Edin. MS.), To thaim, and nothyr ellys quhar Had [he] ey, and wrocht un⁓wittily. ? a 1400 Morte Arth. 3802 Þofe we hafe vnwittyly wastede oure selfene. 1548 Elyot, Inargute, vnwittily, without subtilitee. 1560 J. Daus tr. Sleidane's Comm. 135 Where they condempne the baptisme.., it is vnwittely [L. inscienter] done of them. |
2. In a manner displaying lack of wit or facetious humour.
| 1661 Cowley Cromwell Wks. 1906 II. 371 This Man was wanton and merry (unwittily and ungracefully merry) with our Sufferings. 1884 Imp. Dict. IV. 524/2. |