v. [UN-2 3. Cf. G. ent-, Du. ontheiligen, ON. úhelga (Sw. ohelga, older Da. uhelge).] trans. To deprive of a holy or sacred character; to profane. (Common c. 1575–1660.)
1535. Coverdale, Isaiah lvi. 2. He that taketh hede, yt he vnhalowe not the Sabbath. Ibid., Zeph. iii. 4. Hir prestes vnhalowe the Sanctuary.
1571. Golding, Calvin on Ps. l. 8. Defylements that unhalowe the servis of God.
1628. Wither, Brit. Rememb., III. 1898. That I, for ever, may those paths refuse Which may unhallow, or pervert my Muse.
1645. Milton, Tetrach., Wks. 1851, IV. 192. Nothing more unhallows a man,… then a habit of wrath and perturbation.
1694. F. Bragge, Disc. Parables, xiv. 462. Pride, and vainglory, and self-esteem,… unhallow’d everything else that was good in him.
1821. Lamb, Elia, I. Grace before Meat. A sense of the co-presence of circumstances which unhallow the blessing.
1860. Trench, Serm. Westm. Abb., xxix. 331. In a world where so much is ever seeking to unhallow our spirits, to render them common and profane.
