worldward, adv. (a.)
(ˈwɜːldwəd)
[f. world n. + -ward.]
1. (orig. to the worldward) In regard to the world; in worldly respects.
| 1583 Golding Calvin on Deut. iv. 19 Although I be rich and honorable to the worldward. 1587 ― De Mornay xvi. (1617) 283 Considering man what hee is to Godward, to the Worldward, to Manward and to himselfe. a 1617 Bayne Lect. (1634) 148 Such as live worldward just, but have no oare of religion. a 1639 W. Whately Prototypes i. vi. (1640) 82 Be not Hypocrites, satisfied with some externall shew of religiousnesse, and orderly living to the world-ward. 1651 J. Reading Guide Holy City xix. 215 Another man riseth in honours..another is many waies prosperous to the world⁓ward. |
2. Towards or in the direction of the world.
| 1642 Rogers Naaman 45 Thoughts that were roving helward, worldward, and sinward. 1865 Lowell Thoreau Prose Wks. 1890 I. 368 Emerson..has drawn steadily manward and worldward. |
B. adj. Directed towards or facing the world.
| 1857 J. Hamilton Lessons fr. Gt. Biog. 261 Over his general and world-ward conduct his eye could glide with prevailing satisfaction. 1883 Evang. Mag. Oct. 464 Such vanities had a worldward tendency. 1900 Longm. Mag. May 26 They chose a beggar from the world outside To keep their worldward door for them. |
So ˈworldwards adv., in respect of the world.
| 1845 Bailey Festus (ed. 2) 79 Thy church,—One, universal, and invisible World-wards, yet manifest unto itself. |