fusty

Definition

Moldy or musty.

Etymology

From Middle English fusty, equivalent to fust + -y. Compare Scots foosty.

Example Sentences

• "I rather vvonder vvhat Charms a VVoman of any Spirit can fancy in a Nunnery, in vvatching, vvorking, praying, and ſometimes, I am afraid, vviſhing for other Company than that of an old fuſty Friar— […]"
• "All up the hills that hem the city in, these houses swarm; and the mites inside were lolling out of the windows, and drying their ragged clothes on poles, and crawling in and out at the doors, and coming out to pant and gasp upon the pavement, and creeping in and out among huge piles and bales of fusty, musty, stifling goods; […]"
• "You always knew where to find him if he were wanted; he would be in his study with a book. Very likely it would be an old, old book, some fusty old thing that no one else would dream of reading."