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askance

 - 4 dictionary results

a⋅skance

  [uh-skans]
Use askance in a Sentence
–adverb
1. with suspicion, mistrust, or disapproval: He looked askance at my offer.
2. with a side glance; sidewise; obliquely.
Also, a⋅skant  [uh-skant] .

Origin:
1520–30; earlier a scanche, a sca(u)nce; of obscure orig.

Synonyms:
1. skeptically, suspiciously.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To askance
a·skance   (ə-skāns')   
adv.  

  1. With disapproval, suspicion, or distrust: "The area is so dirty that merchants report the tourists are looking askance" (Chris Black).

  2. With a sideways glance; obliquely.


[Origin unknown.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

askance 
1530, "sideways, asquint," of obscure origin; perhaps a variant of askew. Other theories that have been put forth include an origin from M.E. ase "as" + O.Fr. quanses "how if," from L. quam "how" + si "if." Or from O.Fr. a escone, from pp. of a word for "hidden." Or from It. a scancio "obliquely, slantingly."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Idioms & Phrases

askance

see look askance.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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