widdershins
pronunciation
How to pronounce widdershins in British English: UK ['wɪdəʃɪnz]
How to pronounce widdershins in American English: US ['wɪdəˌʃɪnz]
Word Origin
- widdershins (adv.)
- 1510s, chiefly Scottish, originally "contrary to the course of the sun or a clock" (movement in this direction being considered unlucky), probably from Middle Low German weddersinnes, literally "against the way" (i.e. "in the opposite direction"), from widersinnen "to go against," from wider "against" (see with) + sinnen "to travel, go," from Old High German sinnen, related to sind "journey" (see send).
Example
- 1. Is the dancer clockwise or widdershins ?