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widdershins

Anticlockwise, counter-clockwise.

ˈwɪ.də.ʃɪnzDocumented since 1510s253 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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Born ~1513 · no dated citations yet
1513BornToday, 2026

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#1·Apr 27, 2026

Anticlockwise, counter-clockwise.

It is unlucky to walk widdershins around a church.
Origin: First use appears c. 1513, from (also wēder-, -sinnes), from wither-, against, opposite + genitive of direction, way. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

(now, _, chiefly, _, Scotland) The wrong way.

It is unlucky to walk widdershins around a church.
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