adv. and a. Obs. or dial. Also 5–6 ars-. [f. ARSE sb. + -WARD.]
A. adv. Backward, in a contrary direction; fig. contrariwise; perversely.
1401. Pol. Poems, II. 64. If ȝe taken as ȝe usen arseworde this gospel.
1553. Bale, Gardener’s Vera Obed., Pref. H ij. Whence he can neuer escape except he com out arsewarde.
1565. Golding, Ovid’s Met., VII. (1593), 164. Cerberus … dragging arsward still.
1616. Fletcher, Knt. Malta, IV. ii. Hang arse-ward.
1877. E. Peacock, Linc. Gloss., Arserd, backward. ‘Go arserds, cousin Edward, go arserds.’
B. adj. Backward, contrary; perverse.
c. 1500. Almanak for 1386 (1812), 12. A crab es an arsword best.
1579. Tomson, Calvin’s Serm. Tim., 127/1. How arseward a thing it is for euerie man to be giuen to his owne profite.
1686. G. Stuart, Joco-Ser. Disc., 30. Sae take some pity on your love And do not still so arseward prove.
