- adversary
- early 14c., aduersere, from Anglo-Fr. adverser (13c.), from O.Fr. adversier, from L. adversarius "opponent, adversary, rival," lit. "turned toward one," from adversus "turned against" (see adverse). The L. word is glossed in O.E. by wiğerbroca. The adj. adversarial is attested from 1970 and probably was coined to avoid confusion which might arise with use of adversary (adj.), which is attested from late 14c.