from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Ominous \Om"i*nous\, a. [L. ominosus, fr. omen. See {Omen}.]
Of or pertaining to an omen or to omens; being or exhibiting
an omen; significant; portentous; -- formerly used both in a
favorable and unfavorable sense; now chiefly in the latter;
foreboding or foreshowing evil; inauspicious; as, an ominous
dread.
[1913 Webster]
He had a good ominous name to have made a peace.
--Bacon.
[1913 Webster]
In the heathen worship of God, a sacrifice without a
heart was accounted ominous. --South.
[1913 Webster] -- {Om"i*nous*ly}, adv. -- {Om"i*nous*ness},
n.
[1913 Webster]