Dictionary

unservicelike en · ADJ

Etymology

From un- + servicelike.

Meanings

1. Not characteristic of the naval service; unseamanlike.
   • The Borneons, in fighting, wear a quilted jacket or spencer, which reaches over the hips, and from its size has a most unservicelike appearance: the bare legs and arms sticking out from under this puffed-out coat, like the sticks which support the garments of a scarecrow. 1847, Sir Henry Keppel, The Expedition to Borneo of H.M.S. Dido for the Suppression of Piracy, page 156:
   • The mate's unservicelike style of acquiescence — "With much pleasure sir," rather surprised, if it did not actually disconcert our 'gallant post,' who for a few seconds stared at him with all his eyes, open mouthed to boot, […] 1846, Jack's Life at Sea: By an Old Irish Captain of the Head, page 41:
   • Malta could offer no replacements, so that many submariners with a natural pride in their uniform did not 'go ashore' when they could, because they looked so unservicelike. 2008, John Frayn Turner, Periscope Patrol: The Saga of the Malta Force Submarines:

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