From time to time we parade out Engish words that sound like negatives with no positive. Usually it's by attempted counterexample: Is my hair kempt? You know, sheveled? It shouldn't be; I'm really quite ept at such matters.

Just now I came across this:

Quote:
"...What a dreadfully disconcerting person," said Bob
Story.

"By George, it takes the conceit out of you," said
Stover ruthfully...."


on page 333 of Stover at Yale by Owen Johnson, as preserved by Google Books.

Yes, I know it's Tonypandy, but still I got excited!