adj. phr. (colloquial).1. Having eyes with an undue proportion of white; all white like a plastered wall (GROSE): hence (2) = glaring, fierce, threatening. Any work irregularly or ill done is called a WALL-EYED job. It is applied also to any very irregular action.
1580. BARET, An Alvearie, or Triple Dictionarie in English, Latin, and French. A horse with a WALL-EYE, glauciolus.
1596. SHAKESPEARE, King John, iv. 3. 49.
This is the vilest stroke | |
That ever WALL-EYD wrath, or staring rage, | |
Presented to the tears of soft remorse. |
1600. JONSON, Cynthias Revels, v. 2. A pair of WALL-EYES in a face forced.
1766. GOLDSMITH, The Vicar of Wakefield, x. Blackberry was WALL-EYED, and the colt wanted a tail.