Ad*verse" (&?;), v. t. [L. adversari: cf.
OF. averser.]
To oppose; to resist. [Obs.] Gower.
Ad"verse (&?;), a. [OE.
advers, OF. avers, advers, fr. L. adversus, p. p. advertere to turn to. See
Advert.]
1.
Acting against, or in a contrary direction;
opposed; contrary; opposite; conflicting;
as, adverse winds; an adverse party; a spirit adverse to distinctions of caste.
2. Opposite. "Calpe's adverse height."
Byron.
3. In hostile opposition to; unfavorable;
unpropitious; contrary to one's wishes; unfortunate; calamitous; afflictive; hurtful; as, adverse fates, adverse circumstances, things adverse.
Happy were it
for us all if we bore prosperity as well and wisely as we
endure an adverse fortune.
Southey.
Adverse possession (Law),
a possession of real property avowedly contrary
to some claim of title in another person.
Abbott.
Syn. -- Averse; reluctant; unwilling. See Averse.
Hear it pronounced