adv. [f. prec. + -LY2, or UN-1 11.] Not wittingly, knowingly, or intentionally; unconsciously, inadvertently; ignorantly.
In very frequent use c. 1380–c. 1630, and from c. 1815. For the break in the history, cf. prec.
1375. Barbour, Bruce, XVI. 248. The gude king said … it wes in his awn foly, For he raid sa vnvittandly, So fer befor.
1388. Wyclif, Joshua xx. 3. Whoeuer sleeth vnwytyngli a man.
c. 1400. Cursor M., 29392 (Cott. Galba). Of him þat dose a light trispase To prest or clerk vnwitandly.
1483. Caxton, Gold. Leg., 211/1. The prynce that bete ye … did it unwittyngly.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 163 b. Yf a persone … omyt … agaynst theyr wyll vnwytyngly ony worde or wordes of theyr duty.
1581. Hanmer, Jesuites Banner, H 4 b. Yet was it done of ignoraunce, and vnwittingly.
1626. Jackson, Creed, VIII. xxi. § 3. This acknowledgment was first made (though unwittingly) by the multitude.
1654. Bramhall, Just Vind., ii. 27. Who … if he hold any errours unwittingly and unwillingly, doth implicitely [etc.].
1794. Coleridge, Lett. (1895), 112. I unwittingly (for I did not know it at the time) borrowed a thought from you.
1808. Scott, Marm., V. xviii. Unwittingly, King James had given, As guard…, The man most dreaded under Heaven By these defenceless maids.
1833. Ht. Martineau, Tale of Tyne, ii. 24. He unwittingly spoiled their little arrangements.
1883. Whitelaw, Sophocles, Trachin., 727. When men have stumbled all unwittingly Anger has pity.
