adj. 1. Deviating from what is desired, expected, or required, especially in being disobedient or in gratifying one's own inclinations: "a teacher taking pains with a wayward but promising child" (George Orwell). 2. Difficult or impossible to manage, control, or keep in order: a wayward strand of hair. 3. Going somewhere not intended or desired: a wayward golf shot; a wayward courier. 4. Following no clear pattern; unpredictable: "events that were often thought to be wayward, capricious, and inexplicable" (Marq de Villiers). [Middle English, short for awaiward, turned away, perverse : awai, away; see AWAY + -ward, -ward.] wayward·ly adv. wayward·ness n. |
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