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disorderly

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

English

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Etymology

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From disorder +‎ -ly or from dis- +‎ orderly.

Pronunciation

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Adjective

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disorderly (comparative more disorderly, superlative most disorderly)

  1. Not in order; marked by disorder or disarray.
    The books and papers are in a disorderly state.
    • 1980, AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd, page 164:
      This one is surmounted by a clock-tower with a bent weather-vane - the latter being the only disorderly object in sight.
  2. Not acting in an orderly way, as the functions of the body or mind.
  3. Not complying with the restraints of order and law; unruly; lawless.
    disorderly people; disorderly assemblies
  4. (law) Offensive to good morals and public decency.
    a disorderly house

Derived terms

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Translations

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Noun

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disorderly (plural disorderlies)

  1. A person who acts in a disorderly manner.
    • 1843, Parliamentary Papers, volumes 25-26, page 140:
      The police are allowed one shilling a-head upon all disorderlies who are discharged by the magistrates upon payment of expenses. The number so discharged are about a third of the number in custody.

Adverb

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disorderly (comparative more disorderly, superlative most disorderly)

  1. In a confused or lawless manner.

Anagrams

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