a. Sc. (now literary). Also -cie. [f. prec. + -Y. Cf. UNCHANCY a.] Unlucky, dangerous; also, eerie, uncanny.
1768. Ross, Helenore, etc., Rock & wee pickle Tow, 60. A mutchkin of linseed I’d in the yerd fling, For a’ the wan chansie [1789 wanchansy] beginning o’t.
a. 1774. Fergusson, Mutual Compl., 34. My travellers are fley’d to deid Wi’ creels wanchancy, heap’d wi’ bread, Frae whilk hing down uncanny nicksticks, That [etc.].
1786. Burns, Puir Mailie, 38. Wae worth that man wha first did shape That vile, wanchancie thing—a raep!
1814. Scott, Wav., lxiv. Some wanchancy person … fired a shot at him. Ibid. (1827), Two Drovers, i. [A dirk] is a wanchancy weapon in a Highlandman’s hand.
1893. Stevenson, Catriona, xv. The tither [boat] lay whaur it was and watched the wanchancy thing on the brae-side.
