WANKLY ADJ. weak, feeble, frail, delicate, shaky from weakness; unstable, wobbly, tottering; unsteady, not to be relied upon, precarious ...1795 rare, chiefly Eng. dial. ETYMOLOGY from wankle (adj. unsteady, insecure, precarious; unstable, wobbly; changeable, unsettled; inconstant, fickle, not to be relied on) + -y FIRST DOCUMENTED USE 1795 - see EXAMPLE below EXAMPLE "...I am a widow woman, at your service, Sir, (curtsey) buried my husband, (curtsey) about six weeks ago, (curtsey) - an ailing man, Sir, (curtsey) - always weak and wankly, (curtsey) - Could do nothing for many ears, Sir..." From: Gleanings Through Wales, Holland, and Westphalia: With Views of Peace and War at Home and Abroad - Mr. Pratt (Samuel Jackson)
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