[UN-1 7. Cf. Norw. dial. ugjegnleg vexatious, obstinate.]
1. Awkward, clumsy, ungraceful.
1611. Cotgr., Sangrenu, vntoward, vngainely, ill-fauoured.
a. 1700. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, Blunderbuss, a Dunce, an unganely Fellow.
1709. Steele, Tatler, No. 193, ¶ 3. Persons … so very aukward and ungainly, that it is impossible to believe the Audience will bear them.
1752. Mrs. Delany, in Life & Corr. (1861), III. 79. Her person is fine, her arms a little ungainly, and her voice disagreeable.
1814. Scott, Wav., xxix. At length the tall ungainly figure and ungracious visage of Ebenezer presented themselves.
1878. E. Jenkins, Haverholme, 44. A man … with a slow delivery, ungainly gestures, an affected manner and accent.
† 2. Unsuitable, improper. Obs.–1
a. 1660. Hammond, Serm. (1664), xiii. 217. Their Misusing of their knowledge to ungainly ends, as either ambition, superstition [etc.].
