Dictionary

unreverend en · ADJ

Etymology

From un- + reverend.

Meanings

1. (obsolete) Not reverend; unpraiseworthy.
   • Long grey unreverend locks befouled with mire. 1880, J. Thomson, City of Dreadful Night:
2. (obsolete) disrespectful; irreverent.
   • unreverend tongue c. 1596 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Life and Death of King Iohn”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene i]:
   • To justifie the Church of England, and true Protestant Religion,[…]from all allowment and approbation, of any such unreverend, blasphemous, and reproachfull language, against Soveraine Majesty. 1648, Edward Symmons, A Vindication of King Charles:
   • He was famous for his jests, in which he indulged in a most unreverend manner. 1858, Christian Henry Monicke (editor), The Book of British Poets:

Forms

Deriveds

unreverendly