| English Dictionary |
LUBBERLY
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Dictionary entry overview: What does lubberly mean?
• LUBBERLY (adjective)
The adjective LUBBERLY has 2 senses:
1. clumsy and unskilled
2. inexperienced in seamanship
Familiarity information: LUBBERLY used as an adjective is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Clumsy and unskilled
Context example:
a big stupid lubberly fellow
Similar:
unskilled (not having or showing or requiring special skill or proficiency)
Derivation:
lubber (an awkward stupid person)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Inexperienced in seamanship
Synonyms:
landlubberly; lubberly
Context example:
of all landlubbers the most lubberly
Similar:
unseamanlike (not seamanlike)
Derivation:
lubber (an inexperienced sailor; a sailor on the first voyage)
Context examples
I knew what all this meant, for the servants' dinner-bell was ringing at the very moment over our heads; and as I hate such encroaching people (the Jacksons are very encroaching, I have always said so: just the sort of people to get all they can), I said to the boy directly (a great lubberly fellow of ten years old, you know, who ought to be ashamed of himself), 'I'll take the boards to your father, Dick, so get you home again as fast as you can.' The boy looked very silly, and turned away without offering a word, for I believe I might speak pretty sharp; and I dare say it will cure him of coming marauding about the house for one while. I hate such greediness—so good as your father is to the family, employing the man all the year round!
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
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