I.Lat. scaevus, left, on the left hand or side, σκαιῇ (sc. χειρί) with the left hand, Il.; χειρὶ σκαιῇ Hes.
II.western, westward, for the Greek auspex turned his face northward, and so had the west on his left; hence, Σκαιαὶ πύλαι the west gate of Troy, Il.; σκαιὸν ῥίον the western headland, Od.
2.unlucky, ill-omened, mischievous (because birds of ill omen appeared on the left or in the west, birds of good omen on the right or in the East), Hdt., Soph.
III.metaph. of persons, like French gauche, lefthanded, awkward, clumsy, Hdt., Eur., etc.
