gainstander

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search

English

[edit]

Etymology

[edit]

From Middle English aȝenstondere, equivalent to gainstand +‎ -er. Cognate with Scots gainstandar, ganstandar and againstandare (resister, opposer, opponent).

Noun

[edit]

gainstander (plural gainstanders)

  1. (archaic) One who stands in opposition to (a belief, cause, etc.); an opposer
    • 1832, Sir Walter Scott, The Talisman:
      " [] Formerly, it is said, they were leopards; but now they are become lions at all points, and must take precedence of beast, fish, or fowl, or woe worth the gainstander."