sidelong

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   directed toward one side, especially in a secretive, doubtful, or suspicious glance

   She gave him a sidelong look to see whether he believed the excuse.

2. 2
   adv

   toward one side or obliquely rather than straight ahead

   The lizard moved sidelong across the rough stone wall.

3. 3
   adj

   indirect or presented from an unusual angle

   The essay offers a sidelong critique of the country's class system.

An alteration of Middle English sideling or sidlyng, "sideways," formed from side + the adverbial suffix -ling. Speakers later reshaped the ending under the influence of the unrelated word long. The adjective developed from the older adverbial use.

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