Im`por*tune" (?), a. [F.
importun, L. importunus; pref. im- not + a
derivative from the root of portus harbor, importunus
therefore orig. meaning, hard of access. See Port harbor, and
cf. Importunate.] 1. Inopportune;
unseasonable. [Obs.]
2. Troublesome; vexatious; persistent;
urgent; hence, vexatious on account of untimely urgency or
pertinacious solicitation. [Obs.]
And their importune fates all
satisfied.
Spenser.
Of all other affections it [envy] is the most
importune and continual.
Bacon.
Im`por*tune", v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Importuned (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Importuning.] [From Importune, a.:
cf. F. importuner.] 1. To request or
solicit, with urgency; to press with frequent, unreasonable, or
troublesome application or pertinacity; hence, to tease; to irritate;
to worry.
Their ministers and residents here have perpetually
importuned the court with unreasonable demands.
Swift.
2. To import; to signify. [Obs.] "It
importunes death." Spenser.
Im`por*tune", v. i. To require; to
demand. [Obs.]
We shall write to you,
As time and our concernings shall importune.
Shak.
