oblique Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun any grammatical case other than the nominative
oblique case.
noun a diagonally arranged abdominal muscle on either side of the torso
abdominal external oblique muscle; external oblique muscle; musculus obliquus externus abdominis.
adjective slanting or inclined in direction or course or position--neither parallel nor perpendicular nor right-angled
- the oblique rays of the winter sun
- acute and obtuse angles are oblique angles
- the axis of an oblique cone is not perpendicular to its base
adjective satellite indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way; misleading
devious.
- used devious means to achieve success
- gave oblique answers to direct questions
- oblique political maneuvers

F., fr. L. obliquus; ob (see Ob-) + liquis oblique; cf. licinus bent upward, Gr slanting.

Not erect or perpendicular; neither parallel to, nor at right angles from, the base; slanting; inclined.
It has a direction oblique to that of the former motion. Cheyne.
Not straightforward; indirect; obscure; hence, disingenuous; underhand; perverse; sinister.
The love we bear our friends... Hath in it certain oblique ends. Drayton.

This mode of oblique research, when a more direct one is denied, we find to be the only one in our power. De Quincey.

Then would be closed the restless, oblique eye. That looks for evil, like a treacherous spy. Wordworth.
Not direct in descent; not following the line of father and son; collateral.
His natural affection in a direct line was strong, in an oblique but weak. Baker.

imperfect & past participle Obliqued present participle & verbal noun Obliquing

To deviate from a perpendicular line; to move in an oblique direction.
Projecting his person towards it in a line which obliqued from the bottom of his spine. Sir. W. Scott.
(Mil.) To march in a direction oblique to the line of the column or platoon; -- formerly accomplished by oblique steps, now by direct steps, the men half-facing either to the right or left.