wrength

English

Etymology

Probably a nonce formation from wrong by analogy with strong : strength and long : length (see -th); compare Middle English wrengðe (crookedness).

Pronunciation

  • enPR: rĕngth, IPA(key): /ɹɛŋθ/
  • Rhymes: -ɛŋθ

Noun

wrength (uncountable)

  1. (rare and now nonstandard) The state or condition of being wrong; wrongness; wrongfulness.
    • 1823, Ringan Gilhaize, The covenanters, by the author of Annals of the parish:
      Those who would exalt themselves by abetting the strength of the Godless, and the wrength of the oppressors.
    • 1905, Juvenile Nonfiction
      [...] Wrong is short-lived, and right must vanquish at length, If, scorning the wrong, we do others no wrength.
    • 2012, Amber McRee Turner, Sway:
      "Dad," I said, "this isn't an in-between, is it?" "This isn't an in-between," He said. "Honestly, Cass, I'm at a loss for what to call this." "I know exactly what to call it," I said. "Wrength." "Wrength?" "Wrongness." In fact, the way I saw it, Mom had invented a whole new level of wrongness. A bad so bad that wrength might not even be capable of describing it. [...]"

Scots

Etymology

1823, from wrang, wrong (wrong), formed on analogy with strength (from strong), length (from long) by R. Gilhaize Galt[1], or from Middle English wrengðe (wrongfulness). More at wrong.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /rɛŋθ/

Noun

wrength (plural wrengths)

  1. wrongfulness, injustice

References

  • William Graham, The Scots Word Book, "injustice", 1980.
  • Notes:
  1. Dictionary of the Scots Language, "wrength".
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