UNSTEADY

unsteady (adj.)
1590s, 'not firm or secure in position,' from un ~ (1) 'not' + steady (adj.). Similar formation in Old Frisian unstadich, German unstätig, Middle Dutch onstadich. Meaning 'marked by irregularity' is from 1680s. Related: Unsteadily (1550s).

unsteady (v.)
'Make unsteady, 1530s, from un ~ (2) 'reverse, opposite of' + steady (v.). R

tottery (adj.)
'trembling, unsteady,' 1861, from totter + ~ y (2).

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