ppl. a. (UN-1 8.)
Hence, in recent use, unassistedly adv.
1614. Gorges, Lucan, V. 179. Cæsar … As vnassisted now he stands: And almost left to his owne sword.
1705. Clarke, Disc. Attributes, II. xiii. Many of them not discoverable by bare Reason unassisted with Revelation.
1751. Earl Orrery, Remarks Swift (1752), 120. The pure instincts of brutes, unassisted by any knowledge of letters.
1820. Scott, Monast., ii. In case of assault, the proprietor would have to rely upon his own unassisted strength.
1849. Ruskin, Sev. Lamps, ii. § 7. 33. The pillars would be, if unassisted, too slight for the weight.
b. spec. Of the eye or sight: Unaided, naked.
1661. Boyle, Certain Physiol. Ess. (1669), 196. Notwithstanding the unassisted Eye can discern no such matter.
1707. Curios. in Husb. & Gard., 27. A naked and unassisted Eye.
1781. Cowper, Retirem., 56. Contrivance intricate, express’d with ease, Where unassisted sight no beauty sees.
1794. G. Adams, Nat. & Exp. Philos., I. i. 28. Microscopical observations that discover animals, thousands of which could scarce form a particle perceptible to the unassisted sense.
1865. Mrs. L. L. Clarke, Common Seaweeds, ii. 42. How could we with the unassisted eye see aught that is lovely in those dark purple or olive-brown tufts?
