[UN-1 7 + WORTH a.] Not worthy of (something); = UNWORTHY a. 6. Const. with (a) sbs., esp. while, or (b) vbl. sbs.

1

  (a)  1587.  Turberv., Trav. T. (1837), 5. Wherein if ought unworth the presse thou finde Unsavorie,… Impute it to the troubles of my minde.

2

1664.  J. Wilson, Projectors, III. Perhaps it may not be unworth your while.

3

1736.  Bailey, Housh. Dict., s.v. Goats, Which if true or not would not be unworth the while of the curious in anatomy to enquire.

4

1848.  Lowell, Fable for Critics, 458. You may … deem it not unworth your while to review it.

5

1903.  T. Hardy, Dynasts, I. V. vi. Some poor dolt unworth captivity.

6

  (b)  1592.  G. Harvey, Four Lett., iii. 25. Baggage stuffe, vnwoorth the aunswering, or reading.

7

1645.  Milton, Tetrach., 6. Many things might be noted … not ordinary, nor unworth the noting.

8

1691.  J. Wilson, Belphegor, V. iii. He’ll tell ye the Story … not unworth your hearing.

9