1513, chiefly Scottish, originally "contrary to the course of the sun or a clock" (movement in this direction considered unlucky), probably from M.L.G.
weddersinnes, lit. "against the way" (i.e. "in the opposite direction"), from
widersinnen "to go against," from
wider "against" (see
with) +
sinnen "to travel, go," from O.H.G.
sinnen, related to
sind "journey" (see
send).