† unketh, a. Obs.
Also 3–4 onekeþ, 4–5 unkythe.
[var. ME. uncoth: see uncouth a. and cf. unked.]
Unknown, strange.
| a 1275 Prov. ælfred 535 in O.E. Misc. 133 Elde cumid to tune, mid fele unkeþe costes. 1297 R. Glouc. (Rolls) 6758 Mid lute onekeþ folc to engelond he drou. c 1400 Destr. Troy 3325 Weikenes of wemen may not wele stryve,..And nomely in an unkythe lond nedys hom so. c 1510 Lytell Geste Robyn Hode 24 (W. de W.), To dine I have no lust, Till I have some bold Baron, Or some unketh guest. 1577 Holinshed Chron., Hist. Scotland I. 297/1 Many strange wonders and vnketh sightes were seene in the dayes of this Alexander the thyrde. |
Hence † ˈunkethness. Obs.
| 1564 Haward tr. Eutropius x. 108 This unkethenesse of passinge greate good fortune, and successe in his affairs. |