a. [ad. F. calamiteux, -eus (16th c. in Littré) ad. L. calamitōsus, contr. of calamitāt-ōsus adj., from calamitāt-em CALAMITY. (The contracted termination has supplied an analogy for several similar formations in French and Eng.: see -ITOUS, -OUS.)]
1. Fraught with or causing calamity; disastrous, distressful; full of distress, affliction or misery.
1545. Joye, Exp. Dan., vii. 122 (R.). Here is to be noted a nother heuey thretening which precheth the calamitouse afflictions of ye chirche.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., 13. That calamitous error of the Jewes, misapprehending the Prophesies of their Messias.
1727. De Foe, Eng. Tradesm., vii. (1847), I. 45. In former times, it was a dismal and calamitous thing for a tradesman to break.
1772–84. Cook, Voy. (1790), VI. 1984. The late calamitous accident.
1839. Thirlwall, Greece, III. 189. Contests, in which victory would be unprofitable, defeat calamitous.
† 2. Of persons: Involved in calamity, distress or affliction; distressed, unfortunate, miserable. Obs.
1668. Act Prevent. & Suppress. Fires in Lond., 2. Fire … rendring very many of the Inhabitants calamitous.
1726. Ayliffe, Parerg., 313. The Tears and Prayers of calamitous Persons.
1752. Johnson, Rambl., No. 190, ¶ 6. Thou hast seen me happy and calamitous.
