uncouth

a. [ OE. uncouth, AS. uncūð unknown, strange: un- (see Un- not) + cūð 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 ]