† foxlyadj.adv.
Obsolete. Like a fox.
A. adj.
Crafty, cunning.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > cunning > [adjective] > specifically of actions, qualities, etc.
craftyc1225
subtle1340
slyc1380
sleightlyc1402
subtilec1405
wilyc1407
sleighty1412
foxly1528
sleight1533
colubrinec1540
serpentical1546
fox-like1587
shrewd1589
vulpine1628
insidiating1632
serpentic1661
serpentary1681
artful1865
1528 in F. J. Furnivall Ballads from MSS I. 354 By foxly polecy þou dyd them in toll.
1594 Willobie his Auisa xix. f. 18 Your painted box, and goodly preach, I see doth hold a foxly [printed boxly] reach.
B. adv.
Craftily.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > cunning > [adverb]
foxlyc1175
craftilyc1225
craftlyc1225
slylyc1275
fellyc1300
quaintc1300
quaintlyc1325
sleightlyc1330
subtly1340
sly1370
espyinglya1382
wisely1390
wililya1400
wilyc1400
subtilelyc1405
ginnouslya1425
semylyc1440
serpentlya1450
small?c1450
cautelously1477
politicly1477
sleightfullyc1480
artificiously1536
insidiously1545
sleightily1549
artificially1566
cunningly1603
versutely1616
artfully1631
subdolously1638
serpentinely1656
slimlya1680
pawkily1714
politically1764
trickfullyc1790
trickishly1824
leerily1859
dodgily1868
trickily1895
foxily1933
c1175 Lamb. Hom. 31 He wile seggen and foxliche smeþien mid worde, Nabbe ic nawiht þer-of.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1897; most recently modified version published online December 2020).
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adj.adv.c1175