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.
Unchancy, adj. Also: unchancye, -ie. [e.m.E. vnchancie (1589); Unchance n. Also, as un- and wanchancy, in the later dial.] Ill-fated; unlucky, unfortunate.1531 Bell. Boece I 238.
Our ennimes ar to fecht aganis us, quhome we nevir offendit with injuris: throw quhilk thair werkis sal be the more unchancy, and mair odious to God 1531 Bell. Boece II 468.
The lordis thocht that Johne was ane unchancy name to be ane king; for King Johne of France wes tane unhappely at Poiteris 1533 Boece 86a.
Ibernianis … nocht contempnyng his vnchancie fortune promyst to him supple 1533 Boece 86b.
The sey (rouch and brym movit be ane contrare aspect of ane vnchancye planet) 1533 Boece 147b.
Galdus … regrettit hevilie the vnchancie lois of the king 1533 Bell. Livy I 62/1.
Hing vp his body in ane vnchancy tre 1533 Bell. Livy I 216/7.
The Fabis departit out of the ciete at ane vnchancy porte, namyt Carmentall
