† 1. = INEXPRESSIVE a. 1. Obs.
1600. Shaks., A. Y. L., II. ii. 10. Run, run Orlando, carue on euery Tree, The faire, the chaste, and vnexpressiue shee.
1629. Milton, Hymn Nativ., xi. Harping in loud and solemn quire, With unexpressive notes to Heav’ns new-born Heir. Ibid. (1637), Lycidas, 176. So Lycidas … hears the unexpressive nuptiall Song, In the blest Kingdoms meek of joy and love.
2. = INEXPRESSIVE a. 2.
1755. World, No. 150. V. 81. If the device had been a triple-crown, it would not have been unexpressive.
1816. Bentham, Chrestom., 109. In so far as it simply fails of being subservient to those purposes, it is unexpressive—simply unexpressive.
1851. W. R. Greg, Creed Christendom, xv. 227. Exhausting superlatives, even to unexpressive and wearisome satiety.
So Unexpressively adv., -ness.
[1846. Worcester, Unexpressively.]
1885. Athenæum, 21 March, 369/2. She is distinguished from the other muses by the unexpressiveness of her name.
