scatheful en · ADJ
Etymology
From Middle English *scatheful (attested in derivative unnskaþefull) equivalent to scathe + -ful. Cognate with Scots scathfull, scaithful (“harmful, hurtful, injurious, damaging”).
Meanings
-
(archaic) Causing harm or mischief; destructive, injurious.
A bawbling Veſſell was he Captaine of, For ſhallow draught and bulke vnprizable, With which ſuch ſcathfull grapple did he make, With the moſt noble bottome of our Fleete, That very enuy, and the tongue of loſſe Cride fame and honor on him: What's the matter?
c. 1601–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Twelfe Night, or What You Will”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i], page 272:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| more scatheful | Degree=Cmp | lexicographic | |
| scadeful | alternative, obsolete | lexicographic | |
| most scatheful | Degree=Sup | lexicographic | |
| scathful | alternative | lexicographic |