noisome

comparative more noisome · superlative most noisome · alternative obsolete noysome

1. literaryMorally hurtful or noxious.
2. literaryHurtful or noxious to health; unwholesome, insalubrious.

   Surely he shall deliuer thee from the snare of the fouler: and from the noisome pestilence.

   1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Psalms 91:3

   1 more example

   There is a distinct sense of freedom in the solitude of the night. The day's atmosphere is surcharged with noisome anxiety, the hours laden with impending terrors. But the night is soothing.

   1912, Alexander Berkman, chapter 6, in Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist

   Synonyms: injurious, noxious, unwholesome, unhealthful, harmful, damaging, deleterious, detrimental · Antonyms: salubrious, wholesome, healthful

3. literaryOffensive to the senses; disgusting, unpleasant, nauseous, especially having an undesirable smell.

   Foule words is but foule wind, and foule wind is but foule breath, and foule breath is noiſome, therefore I will depart vnkist.

   1598–1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “Much Adoe about Nothing”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i], page 120

   1 more example

   And then, ſo nice, and ſo genteel; / Such Cleanlineſs from Head to Heel: / No Humours groſs, or frowzy Steams, / No noiſom Whiffs, or ſweaty Streams, / Before, behind, above, below, / Could from her taintleſs Body flow.

   1731, [Jonathan Swift], “Strephon and Chloe”, in A Beautiful Young Nymph Going to Bed. […], Dublin; London: […] [William Bowyer] for J. Roberts […], published 1734, →OCLC, page 8

   Synonyms: foul, fetid, sickening, nauseating, malodorous, stinking · Antonyms: fragrant, sweet-smelling, aromatic