unˈwon, ppl. a.
[un-1 8 b. Cf. (M)Du. ongewonnen, MHG. ungewunnen, unconquered.]
1. Not won, in various senses. Also const. by.
| 1593 Queen Elizabeth Boeth. i. pr. i. 5 A woman did apeare..of fresche coulor and unwon strengh [L. inexhausti vigoris]. Ibid. met. iv. 4 Who so quiet in setled life..His chire vn⁓wonne [L. invictum vultum] preserues. 1818 Milman Samor vi. 33 Caswallon..Drives onward, he nought deeming won, while aught Remains unwon. 1855 M. Arnold Haworth Churchyard 117 She..leaves Half her laurels unwon, Dying too soon. 1874 Pusey Lent. Serm. 14 The soul yet unwon by His grace. 1892 Bp. Westcott in Daily News 16 March 5/7 The coal remains there to this day unwon. |
2. spec. Of women: Not successfully wooed.
| 1601 Daniel Cleopatra i. Wks. F v b, I must die free, And die my selfe vncaptiu'd and vnwonne. 1837 W. Maginn Shakesp. Papers (1859) 287 The anticipation of the lost dinner and unwon lady. 1850 Mrs. Browning Sonn. fr. Portuguese xiii, Seeing that I stand unwon, however wooed. |