wan 1
— wanly , adv. — wanness , n.
/won/ , adj., wanner, wannest , v. , wanned, wanning .
adj.
1. of an unnatural or sickly pallor; pallid; lacking color: His wan face suddenly flushed.
2. showing or suggesting ill health, fatigue, unhappiness, etc.: a wan look; a wan smile.
3. lacking in forcefulness, competence, or effectiveness: their wan attempts to organize the alumni.
4. Archaic.
a. dark or gloomy.
b. pale in color or hue.
v.i. , v.t.
5. to become or make wan.
[ bef. 900; ME; OE wann dark, gloomy ]
Syn. 1. ashen. See pale 1 . 3. feeble, weak, half-hearted, lame.
Ant. 1. ruddy.
wan 2
/wahn/ , v. Obs.
a pt. of win .