unconˈfirmed, ppl. a.
[un-1 8 and 5 b.]
1. Not having received the rite of confirmation.
| 1565 J. Calfhill Answ. Martiall 99, I besech you, how many be suffered to dye, vnconfirmed. 1920 Conference of Bishops of Anglican Communion 30 The irregularity of admitting to Communion the baptized but unconfirmed Communicants of the non-episcopal congregations. 1977 R. L. Wolff Gains & Losses ii. ii. 122 Danger besets the unconfirmed girls... They find their own vicar crusty and aloof. |
2. a. Not strengthened or fortified; not yet made firm or sure.
| c 1592 Marlowe Jew of Malta iii. iii, Then were my thoughts so fraile And vnconfirm'd, and I was chain'd to follies of the world. 1609 Daniel Civ. Wars iv. xxxvi, In th' unconfirmed troupes, much fear did breed. 1706 Rowe Ulysses iv, A boy!..feeble in Infancy, Essaying the first Rudiments of Manhood, With Strength unpractis'd yet, and unconfirm'd. 1750 Phil. Trans. XLVI. 399 As I observed the Callus to be unconfirmed, I re-applied the Bandage. 1795 Southey Joan of Arc i. 98 Thoughts of politic craftiness arose Within him, and his faith, yet unconfirm'd, Determin'd to prompt action. |
† b. Uninstructed, ignorant. Obs.
| 1588 Shakes. L.L.L. iv. ii. 19 After his..vntrained, or rather vnlettered, or ratherest vnconfirmed fashion. 1599 ― Much Ado iii. iii. 120 Con. I wonder at it. Bor. That shewes thou art vnconfirm'd. |
c. Not supported or established by further evidence; uncorroborated.
| 1671 Milton P.R. i. 29 Nor was long His witness unconfirm'd. 1781 V. Knox Liberal Education Concl. 359 Their [sc. French] recent histories are destitute of dignity, both of diction and sentiment, and unconfirmed by authorities. 1897 Westm. Gaz. 26 Aug. 2/1 The report that 300 of these brave fellows have been cut to pieces is unconfirmed. |
3. Not formally confirmed or sanctioned.
| 1656 Bramhall Replic. ii. 105 Therefore we give the same priviledges to a Councell unconfirmed..and to a Councell confirmed by the Pope. |