A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1552-1618
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Unnaturally, -natural(l)ie, adv. Also: unnaturallye, wnnaturallie. [e.m.E. vn-naturallye (c1485), unnaturally (1540), vnnaturallie (1614); Natural(l)y adv.] In a manner contrary to what is normal or expected; esp., with unnatural depravity or wickedness. c1552 Lynd. Mon. 1236.
Quhow men and wemen schamefullye Abusit thame selfis vnnaturallye 1565 Facs. Nat. MSS III xlix.
Quhat vther thing mycht mar the principall rasaris of this tumult to put thame selffis in armes aganis ws sa vnnaturallie 1570 Q. Mary in 6th Rep. Hist. MSS App. 638/1.
Albeit your lait husband had sa vnnaturally and vnthankfully offendit ws in many sortes who had promoted him to all honour 1582–3 Crail B. Ct. 7 March.
Elezabet Richartsoun … maist wiolentlie cruellie and wnnaturallie mwrtherit … the said chyld 1586 Reg. Privy C. IV 106.
The said David … delt maist unnaturalie and unjuriouslie with him 1618 Criminal Trials III 452.
Ye … hes medlit with his hienes effairis, estait and gouvernament, maist falslie, barbaruslie and vnnaturallie
b. In a manner that contravenes nature; by abnormal or supernatural means. 1591 Criminal Trials I ii 253.
And in the birth of your last sone … your naturall and kindlie payne vnnaturallie cassin of yow, vpoun the wantoune catt in the hous
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"Unnaturally adv.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/unnaturally>
