direful

adj

Etymology: From dire + -ful.

1. Fearful, terrible.

   “I haue beene wooed, as I intreat thee now, / Euen by the ſterne, and direfull God of warre, / VVhoſe ſinowie necke in battel nere did bow, / VVho conquers where he comes in euery iarre; […]”

   “read what destiny / Or other dyrefull hap from heaven or hell / Hath wrought this wicked deed […].”