asquint

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective (used especially of glances) directed to one side with or as if with doubt or suspicion or envy; - Elizabeth Bowen

Etymology

From Middle English asquint, asquynt, asqweynt, equivalent to a- (“on, at”) + a word related to Dutch schuinte (“tilt, slant, slope”), Saterland Frisian Schüünte (“slope, slant”), West Frisian skeante (“slope, slant”), German Low German Schüünte (“angle, slant, slope, pitch”). Compare also Middle English askoin, askoyn, of skwyn (“on a slant, askance”), Dutch schuin (“oblique, slanting, sloping”), West Frisian skean (“oblique, slanting, sloping”), German Low German schüün (“slanting”), Norwegian Nynorsk skeina (“to move obliquely”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

askance, askant, squint, squint-eyed, squinty, sidelong

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