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.
© Webster 1913.
Ad*verse" (#), v. t. [L. adversari: cf. OF. averser.]
To oppose; to resist.
[Obs.]
Gower.
© Webster 1913.