uncouthness

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
uncouthness
    n 1: inelegance by virtue of being an uncouth boor [syn:
         {boorishness}, {uncouthness}]
    
from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Uncouth \Un*couth"\ ([u^]n*k[=oo]th"), a. [OE. uncouth, AS.
   unc[=u][eth] unknown, strange: un- (see {Un-} not) +
   c[=u][eth] known, p. p. of cunnan to know. See {Can} to be
   able, and cf. {Unco}, {Unked}.]
   1. Unknown. [Obs.] "This uncouth errand." --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

            To leave the good that I had in hand,
            In hope of better that was uncouth.   --Spenser.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Uncommon; rare; exquisite; elegant. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

            Harness . . . so uncouth and so rich. --Chaucer.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Unfamiliar; strange; hence, mysterious; dreadful; also,
      odd; awkward; boorish; as, uncouth manners. "Uncouth in
      guise and gesture." --I. Taylor.
      [1913 Webster]

            I am surprised with an uncouth fear.  --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

            Thus sang the uncouth swain.          --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: See {Awkward}.
        [1913 Webster] -- {Un*couth"ly}, adv. --
        {Un*couth"ness}, n.
        [1913 Webster]
    

[email protected]