kindlyadj.
/ˈkʌɪndli/, U.S. /ˈkaɪn(d)li/ I. Relating to nature or birth.† 1. Natural, in various senses.† 2. † 3. † 5. Scottish. Natural because of kinship; existing between kinsfolk. Also of a person: related by blood or marriage; of the same family or kindred. Obsolete.
a. Inherent in the nature of a person or thing; innate, inborn; = kind adj. 2b. Cf. kindly wit n. at Compounds 2. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > [adjective] > innate or natural
i-cundeeOE
fleshly971
kindlyOE
kindc1175
naturalc1275
kindc1390
innatea1420
nativea1425
inborn1513
innative1513
habitual1526
ingenerate1531
instincta1538
innated1545
inset1545
of one's nativity1582
inbreda1592
connatural1599
prognatec1600
ingenious1601
ingenit1604
congenite1610
connativea1618
intuitive1621
infusive1630
habituous1633
veined1633
genial1646
connatea1652
relollacean1654
relollaceous1657
relolleous1662
congenial1664
complanted1668
ingrown1670
ingenerated1677
unborrowed1704
cogenite1712
born1741
naturable1771
unacquired1793
congenerous1813
congenital1848
ingrain1852
indigenousa1864
ingenital1886
wired-in1957
OE Order of World 5 Wilt þu..fricgan felageongne ymb forðgesceaft, biddan þe gesecge sidra gesceafta cræftas cyndelice cwichrerende.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 24 Þe kendeliche guodes byeþ þo þet me clepeþ by kende..ase helþe..ase clier wyt.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 59 Hit accordeþ better to kyndeliche resoun.
c1450 (?a1422) J. Lydgate Life Our Lady (Durh.) (1961) vi. l. 216 (MED) The turtel prysede of trouthe and honeste, And the dove hathe kyndely excellence Of mekenesse and hertely pacience.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. iii. sig. C5v The earth shall sooner leaue her kindly skil To bring fo[r]th fruit..Then I leaue you.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) ii. ii. 213 'Tis lacke of kindely warmth, they are not kinde. View more context for this quotation
b. Natural; in accordance with nature or natural laws; normal; = kind adj. 1a. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > materiality > [adjective] > natural or existing in nature
kindlOE
kindlyc1225
naturalc1390
kindlike1489
native1560
real1602
physiurgic1817
physioplastica1832
physiurgoscopica1832
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) 446 Hit is aȝein riht, & aȝein leaue of euch cundelich lahe.
c1230 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Corpus Cambr.) (1962) 214 (MED) For na bote aȝein cundeliche secnesses, nan uncundelich lechecreft..ne fondin.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. 3 Konnyng and knowleche of kyndeliche þinges.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. vi. xxiv. 331 Slepe is a kyndeliche vnmeuablenesse and help of þe wittis.
?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 82 Simulacres er ymages made to þe liknes of sum thing þat es kyndely.
1496 (c1410) Dives & Pauper (de Worde) i. xlvii. sig. eijv/2 It is a kyndly thynge in somer tyme to thondre.
a1547 Earl of Surrey tr. Virgil Certain Bks. Aenæis (1557) iv. sig. Giiv Neither by lot of destiny, Nor yet by kindly death she perished.
a1658 J. Durham Clavis Cantici (1668) v. 281 It's a kindly thing, when a believer misses Christ, and wants presence..; and it's unkindly to discern absence, and not to be affected.
1714 D. Turner De Morbis Cutaneis ii. ix. 247 This black Complexion, provided there be kindly Warmth in the Place.., is much better to be liked, than if there were great Pain.
1771 D. Monro in Ess. & Observ. (Philos. Soc. Edinb.) III. xii. 220 There was a kindly warmth in the foot, and no more fever than was to be expected after such an operation.
c. Naturally suited to a person, thing, activity, etc.; proper, fitting, appropriate; = kind adj. 1b. Frequently with to or for. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > [adjective] > suited to the nature of anything
i-cundeeOE
i-cundelyOE
kindly1340
kinda1400
connatural1604
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 47 (MED) Lecherie..hue is hit uoul dede zeþþe hit is kendelich? uor þet god hit uorbyet ine his spelle.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. v. xlvii. 260 It is kyndeliche þing to children..þat þe nauel bene ikut, and þan to be iwassche with watir and to haue [emended in ed. to laue] away þe blood.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 1912 Þe beist thoght selcut-li god þat þai hade raght þair kindle fode.
?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 9 Þai say also þt fornicacion es na dedly bot a kyndely thing.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) III. 1147 Here we muste begynne at kynge Arthur, as was [read is] kyndely to begynne at hym that was that tyme the moste man of worshyp.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 39 Thou shalbe wisest of wit..And know all the conyng þat kyndly is for men.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1593) iii. sig. Ff5 Doe you not knowe that daintines is kindly vnto vs?
1647 N. Ward Simple Cobler Aggawam 65 Ropes and hatchets are not the kindliest instruments to set it.
1674 N. Fairfax Treat. Bulk & Selvedge 79 The kindliest attribute of time, which is successiveness in abiding.
1725 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Œconomique at Cheese The Season of the Year denies a kindly Drying or Hardening thereof.
1772 W. Cullen Lect. Materia Medica 296 The Bark mends the suppuration, and brings on a kindly healing of the sore.
a. Of a person: legitimately entitled to a position, status, or title, esp. by virtue of birth or descent; rightful, lawful; = kind adj. 3a. Of a child: legitimate. Also figurative. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > child > relationship to parent > [adjective] > legitimate
full-bornlOE
born in (or under or out of) wedlockc1275
kindlya1300
mulierc1400
legitimatea1464
mulieryc1475
lawfulc1480
naturala1500
mulierly1506
lawfully1512
native1567
loyal1608
lineala1616
full-begotten1636
(on) the right side of the blanket1842
society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > right to succeed to title, position, or estate > [adjective] > resting on hereditary right > entitled by birth or descent
borneOE
kindlya1300
a1300 in R. Morris Old Eng. Misc. (1872) 90 Crist, kundeliche kyng, cuþ þu þi mayht Rihtwise louerd.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) II. 714 And ye may sle tho two traytours, the Rede Cite and all that be therein woll take you for their kyndely lorde.
a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 67/2 As though the killing of his kinsmen, could..make him a kindly king.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Matt. v. 44 To be the kyndely children of the heauenly father.
1611 W. Cowper Anat. Christian Man i. i. 13 The lawful and kindly sonnes of God, discerned from the bastard.
1627 P. Hay Advt. Subj. Scotl. 4 The..trust that wee should place in our naturall and kindlie Prince.
a1732 T. Boston Sovereignty & Wisdom of God (1737) 55 How will we prove ourselves the genuine kindly Children of God, if still warring with the Crook?
1786 Lounger No. 87. ⁋4 It was tenanted by kindly daws and swallows.
1878 W. E. Hearn Aryan Househ. iii. 73 He must be a genuine or kindly son..one born in lawful marriage.
b. Of land, possessions, etc.: belonging to a person by right of birth or descent; hereditary; = kind adj. 3b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > right to succeed to title, position, or estate > [adjective] > resting on hereditary right > by birth or descent
i-cundeeOE
kindc1325
kindlyc1450
native1596
c1450 (?a1300) Richard Coer de Lyon (BL Add.) l. 25 in K. Brunner Mittelengl. Vers-roman über Richard Löwenherz (1913) 154 (MED) To werrey that londe þat is fro vs lorne, Þat es oure kyndely herytage.
c1540 J. Bellenden tr. H. Boece Hyst. & Cron. Scotl. xiii. iv. f. 189v/1 It pertenit to hym be kyndly herytage.
1562 in W. Fraser Memorials Montgomeries (1859) II. 191 The saidis noble and potent lorde..being myndit neuer to defraude the saidis Thomas of his kyndlie inheritance.., hes delyuerit to the said Robert his precept of fauouris.
1637 S. Rutherford Let. 13 Sept. in Joshua Redivivus (1664) 151 The devil hath cheated the simple heir of his Paradise, & by enticing us to taste of the forbidden fruit, hath, as it were, bought us out of our kindly heritage.
1640 in J. Nicholson Minute Bk. War Comm. Covenanters Kirkcudbright 24 Nov. (1855) 78 We doe not love to wrong onie man in thair ryght or kyndlie possessione.
a. Of or belonging to a person's own country, land, culture, etc.; native; = kind adj. 4a. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > district in relation to human occupation > a land or country > [adjective] > native (of country or place)
kinda1325
kindlya1400
nativea1438
natal?1440
naturalc1475
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 3914 To wend into þair kindly land.
1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) (1859) iv. xxxviii. 64 He hadde thus oppressyd his owne kyndely peple of his owne countre.
a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1960) vi. 95 Pyrrus..quhou aganys Idomens the kyng His kyndly goddis and cuntre dyd rebell.
1597 J. Melville Fruitful & Comfortable Exhortatioun anent Death 35 The saul exyled sall returne, Vnto her kyndlie cuntreys heavinlie house.
b. Scottish. Of people or animals: native-born; indigenous; = kind adj. 4b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > people > nations > native people > [adjective]
inbornc1000
theodiscc1000
i-cundeOE
landisha1300
kindc1325
denizen1483
kindly born1483
native1488
naturally born1523
naturala1533
home-bred?1560
natural1574
home-born1577
homeling1577
natural-born1583
land-born1589
self-bred1590
self-born1597
indigene1598
land-breda1599
vernaculous1606
kindly1609
inbred1625
terrigenist1631
native-born1645
indigenous1646
indigenary1651
indigenital1656
aboriginal1698
own-born1699
indigenal1725
homegrown1737
terrigenous1769
indigenate1775
1609 in R. Pitcairn Criminal Trials Scotl. (1833) III. 15 My race has bene tenne hundreth yeeris kyndlie Scottis men.
a1676 H. Guthry Mem. (1702) 34 I speak to you as a kindly Scotchman.
1792 W. Redhead Observ. Different Breeds Sheep 81 The native or kindly breed..bear the soft or cottony fleece.
1820 W. Scott Monastery I. iii. 121 God keep the kindly Scot from the cloth-yard shaft, and he will keep himself from the handy stroke.
?a1833 Otterburn in F. J. Child Eng. & Sc. Pop. Ballads (1889) III. vi. 300 Let never living mortal ken That ere a kindly Scot lies here.
4. Scots Law.† b. Of land or a property: tenanted by a person under such an arrangement. Obsolete.
a. Designating a tenant who holds or is granted a lease of land on favourable terms because of the long continued possession of that land by the tenant's family or ancestors. Also: designating such a tenancy. Now historical.In origin this and sense 4b show specific developments of senses 2a and 2b, and it can sometimes be difficult to be certain whether particular Scots examples show the more general or the more specific sense.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > tenure of property > one who has tenure > [adjective] > befitting a tenant > type of tenant
kindly1507
rack-rented1605
controlled1923
1507 Charter Edinb. Reg. House No. 709 in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (at cited word) That I sall resseawe the said Johne and his airis and successouris kyndlie tennentis to the said landis.
1563 in Rec. Parl. Scotl. to 1707 (2007) A1563/6/13 Na kyndlie, lauchfull possessour, tennent or occupyar of ony of the saidis kirk landis be removit fra thair kyndelie rowme.
1600 Rental in Orig. Paroch. Scot. (1851) I. 517 [The teinds of the parish of Lintoun] quhairof my Lord of Mortoun is kyndlie takisman.
1674 in J. R. N. Macphail Highland Papers (1914) I. 277 That such of the tenants and kindly possessors as takes land of the Earl of Argyll..be received into his lordship's protection and be accepted kindly of by him.
1705 W. Forbes Treat. Church-lands & Tithes i. viii. 159 The Tacksman is term'd Rentaller, to whom the Heretor indulges the priviledge of a kindly Tennent, or whose Predecessors have been antient Possessors and kindly Tennents.
1752 A. McDouall Inst. Laws Scotl. II. iv. xxix. 643 The king's kindly tenants are holden as heritors of their several possessions, without documents in writing.
a1768 J. Erskine Inst. Law Scotl. (1773) I. ii. vi. §37 A rental is a particular species of tack, now seldom used, granted by the landlord, for a low or favourable tack-duty, to those who are either presumed to be lineal successors to the ancient possessors of the land, or whom the proprietor designs to gratify as such: and the lessees are usually styled rentallers, or kindly tenants.
1816 W. Scott Old Mortality vii, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. II. 147 Your service is no gratuitous. I trow ye hae land for it.—Ye're kindly tenants.
1847 United Service Mag. June 299 Rents were exacted for personal services, the ‘kindly tenancy’..was abolished and the commonty left to shift for themselves.
1906 Trans. Glasgow Archaeol. Soc. 5 ii. 114 The origin of the kindly tenants was the same as that of the copyholders.
1964 W. H. Marwick Scotl. in Mod. Times i. 4 The obscure institution of ‘kindly tenancy’..was virtually obsolete.
2010 A. Groundwater Sc. Middle March, 1573—1625 i. 35 Kindly tenants had some power to negotiate with their superiors, and to resist changes to their tenancies.
ΚΠ
1540 in R. K. Hannay Acts Lords of Council Public Affairs (1932) 491 Thair kyndly stedingis.
1581 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1880) 1st Ser. III. 391 The saidis fischingis ar kyndlie rowme and possessioun to the said James.
1612 in Lett. & State Papers Reign James VI (1838) 205 He hes vttered a sort of contrie clayme to itt and grudged with Mr Robert for taking his kyndlie rowme.
c1650 J. Spalding Memorialls Trubles Scotl. & Eng. (1850) I. 3 His kyn..beginis to call to mynd how James erll of Moray thair maister had cassin them out of thair kyndlie possessions quhilk (past memorie of man) their predicessoris and they had keipit.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > relations or kindred > [adjective]
kindred1550
kindly1567
1567 Test. & Trag. King Henrie Stewart (single sheet) Traisting with ane..Quha was the ruite quhairof I did spring, In honour to liue be kyndelie allyance.
1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages 89 For inwart wo thay gaue ane hiddeous cry. For kindlie lufe and fatherlie pietie.
a1586 R. Maitland in W. A. Craigie Maitland Folio MS (1919) I. 336 Ffra tyme he gat þe purs in hand He kyndlie cousing callit me.
?a1600 ( R. Sempill Legend Bischop St. Androis in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xlv. 371 None in earth to me so deir is As ye, my kyndlie cusines.
II. Characterized by good nature.† 6. Noble or worthy. Obsolete.† 8. Of good quality; of a good sort or type; having specific good or useful qualities. Also: thriving, in good condition, healthy. Cf. kind adj. 6c, kindly feeder n. at Compounds 2. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > virtue > morally elevated quality > [adjective]
kindly1340
heroical?a1475
heroicc1550
high-set1597
fine1598
unbase1601
exalteda1616
noblea1616
spiritful1631
raised1662
high-toned1770
lofty1776
etherealized1846
upward1850
unsordid1857
high-tone1864
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 24 (MED) Þe uirtues of kende, huerby som ys kendeliche more [c1450 Bk. Vices & Virtues more worþ] þanne oþer, oþer larger oþer milder oþer graciouser..Of alle þise yefþes me ssel þonki god.
c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure l. 3883 (MED) Had thow knawen hym..His konynge, his knyghthode, his kyndly werkes..his dedis of armes, Thow wolde hafe dole for his dede.
a1500 Eng. Conquest Ireland (Rawl.) (1896) 17 (MED) Robert was kyndly, hardy, and bold, and euer with the fryst in euery fyght.
7. Pleasant, agreeable; acceptable. Now rare.Sometimes difficult to distinguish from sense 9c.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > [adjective] > pleasing to the senses
lithec888
fairOE
softOE
lickerousc1275
deliciousa1325
kindlya1382
favourablea1398
kinda1398
sugared1426
feelsomea1450
agreeablec1450
comfortablec1460
favourousc1485
grateful1553
sugar candy1575
lickerish1595
savouring1595
maumy1728
tasty1796
lekker1900
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1961) Lev. iv. 7 Of most kyndely ensense to þe lord.
a1425 (?c1375) N. Homily Legendary (Harl.) in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1881) 2nd Ser. 108 Þou will knau Þe kindly course of Cristes lau.
c1450 tr. Secreta Secret. (Royal) 15 Whan the kynde of man is reioysid in myrthe of kyndely nature, the talent of man takith therof gret strengthe.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball iv. lxi. 524 Vse them rawe with pepper and salt, and the powder of Coriander, and so they yeelde a natural pleasant and kindly sweetenesse in taste.
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) ii. iii. 54 Therefore my age is as a lustie winter, Frostie, but kindely . View more context for this quotation
1696 W. Whiston New Theory of Earth iv. 283 The Heat in the one, and the Cold in the other, were more kindly.
1735 P. Miller Gardener's Dict. (new ed.) II. at Persica These [weak Shoots] have not Strength enough to nourish the Fruit, so as to give it a kindly Flavour.
1828 T. Carlyle Burns in Crit. & Misc. Ess. (1872) II. 5 The kindliest era of his whole life.
1854 M. Oliphant Magdalen Hepburn III. 41 Standing before the kindly hearth.
1987 C. Shields in East Coast Rev. Fall 7 Birches are clean, kindly trees, particularly at this time of year.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > [adjective]
goodOE
winlyOE
snella1000
winc1275
boonc1325
cleana1375
tidya1375
positivea1398
comelyc1400
kindc1400
kindly?a1425
well-formeda1425
trim?a1513
wally?a1513
bonnya1525
delicatea1533
goodlike1562
sappy1563
bein1567
rum1567
benedict1576
warrantable1581
true (also good, sure) as touch1590
goodlisomea1603
respectable1603
clever1738
amusing1753
plummy1787
bone1793
brickish1843
mooi1850
ryebuck1859
spandy1868
greatisha1871
healthy1878
popular1884
beefy1903
onkus1910
quies1919
cushty1929
high-powered1969
not shabby1975
?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 26 Balme þat es kyndely and gude es riȝt clere and ȝalow.
?1541 R. Copland Galen's Fourth Bk. Terapeutyke sig. Aiijv, in Guy de Chauliac's Questyonary Cyrurgyens It behoueth than that the sayd flesshe be kyndely.
1574 R. Scot Perfite Platforme of Hoppe Garden 8 The good and the kindely Hoppe beareth a great and a greene stalke.
1616 G. Markham tr. C. Estienne et al. Maison Rustique (rev. ed.) iv. 500 The grasse..will in the end by it owne heat come to as kindly hay as if it had the full benefit of the Sunne.
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World xv. 419 The fattest and kindliest Beef, that I did ever taste.
1773 Ann. Reg. 1772 106/2 What the graziers call a kindly sheep; one that has always an inclination to feed.
1789 H. L. Piozzi Let. 17 Jan. in Thraliana (1942) II. 727 Let his Majesty..be rubbed till a kindly Glow comes over him.
1847 Spectator 6 Feb. 126/2 Every effort..will be necessary in order to stem the crisis.., even should it please God to assist us by giving us an early and kindly crop of the fruits of the earth.
1887 T. Darlington Folk-speech S. Cheshire Kindly,..healthy. ‘My plants binna very kindly.’
9. Now the usual sense.
a. Having a kind, sympathetic, or benevolent character or disposition; kind-hearted, good-natured. Cf. kind adj. 10a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > [adjective]
mildeOE
blitheOE
goodOE
well-willingOE
beina1200
goodfulc1275
blithefula1300
faira1300
benignc1320
gainc1330
sweetc1330
kinda1333
propicec1350
well-willeda1382
well-disposeda1393
well-hearteda1393
well-willinga1393
friendsomea1400
well-willya1400
charitablec1405
well-willed1417
good-heartedc1425
kindlyc1425
honeyed1435
propitious1440
affectuousc1441
willya1449
homelyc1450
benevolous1470
benigned1470
benevolent1482
favourousc1485
well-meaned1488
well-meaning1498
humanec1500
favourablec1503
affectionatea1516
well-mindedc1522
beneficial1526
propiciant1531
benignate1533
well-intendeda1535
beneficious1535
kind-hearted1535
well-given1535
affectioned1539
well-wishing1548
figgy?1549
good-meaning1549
affectedc1553
affectionated1561
well-natured1561
well-affected?1563
officious1565
well-inclined1569
good-natured1582
partial1587
graceful?1593
well-intentioned1598
beneficent1616
candid1633
kindlike1637
benefic1641
kindly-hearted1762
well-meant1765
benignanta1782
sweet-hearted1850
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iii. l. 2062 (MED) Naturis kyndly influence..Which cause was..Naturelly her rancour to restreyne.
?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 166 (MED) All heyl my kyndely comfortour, All heyl mankyndys creatoure!
1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Hiv/2 Kyndly, benignus.
1580 H. D. in R. Edwards Paradyse Daintie Devises (new ed.) f. 34 I found thee both a kindly friend, and friendly father too.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) ii. v. 78 Melt Egypt into Nyle: and kindly creatures Turne all to Serpents. View more context for this quotation
a1658 J. Durham Blessednesse of Death (1681) vii. 109 Death is made a kindly friend to the beleiver, and the terror of it is taken away.
1728 A. Ramsay Poems II. 29 Thy Sighs bespeak the kindly Man.
1797 Universal Mag. Jan. 17/2 Schoolboys know how to distinguish between the domineering and the kindly master.
a1845 R. H. Barham Wedding-day in Ingoldsby Legends (1847) 3rd Ser. 217 Your Father was a kindly man.
1888 A. Jessopp Coming of Friars ii. 89 Those legacies..were left by kindly people a century or two ago.
1908 S. E. White Riverman ix She was a kindly girl.
1960 C. Day Lewis Buried Day ii. 30 Aunt Alice I remember as a kindly, comfortable, clucking woman.
2015 Sun (Nexis) 7 Aug. 8 A kindly man took pity on George and bought him dinner.
b. Of feelings, actions, etc.: arising from or displaying a kind, sympathetic, or benevolent disposition. Cf. kind adj. 11.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > [adjective] > specifically of action or language
kinda1375
kindly1578
1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages 230 Schir ȝe haue done to me ane kindelie thing.
1588 M. Kyffin tr. Terence Andria i. v. sig. D.iv Is this a point of good nature, or a kindely deede?
1624 F. Quarles Iob Militant xv. 19 My kindly words were welcome.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 108 Nor cou'd..the kindly Force Of weeping Parents, change his fatal Course. View more context for this quotation
1721 A. Ramsay Poems I. 268 A kindly Welcome you shall meet Frae her wha likes to view A Lover and a Lad complete.
a1771 T. Gray Ess. I in W. Mason Mem. Life & Writings (1775) 193 Those kindly cares, That health and vigour to the soul impart.
1813 W. Scott Rokeby iv. 184 A kindly smile..So kind, that, from its harmless glee, The wretch misconstrued villany.
1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems lxv. 9 Ah! no more to address thee, or hear thy kindly requital!
a1933 J. A. Thomson Biol. for Everyman (1934) II. 808 Social life fosters kindly feelings.
1983 M. FitzHerbert Man who was Greenmantle iii. 41 Raymond's kindly comment on one particularly convoluted missive.
2010 Daily Tel. 20 Jan. 27/2 His kindly comments on the talentless, out-of-tune singers are downright ludicrous.
c. In extended use. Cf. kind adj. 12a.
(a) Of the weather or climate: fine, mild, agreeable.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > [adjective] > of health: good > conducive to health > of climate
benignc1386
kindly1579
salubrious1615
sobera1795
1579 T. Churchyard Miserie of Flaunders sig. B.ii No kindly sappe, did comforte any spraie, Bothe barke and stocke, and bodie did decaie.
1582 A. Golding tr. Ioyful & Royal Entertainment sig. E6v The rising of the Sonne doth chace the night away, And with his kindly heate the grounde well cherish.
1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. iii. 87 In a kindly spring, bite it bare over night, next morning the grass will be grown to hide a wande therein.
1722 J. Ozell tr. C.-L. de S. de Montesquieu Persian Lett. II. cxxv. 204 The Greek Colonies carry'd along with 'em a spirit of liberty, which they had assum'd from that kindly Climate.
?1790 S. Pattison Orig. Poems 19 Their child to plant in a more kindly clime, T'inhale balsamic flowers from skies sublime.
1829 Edinb. Lit. Jrnl. 27 Dec. 90/2 Straws and feathers frisk and whirl under the impulse of a kindly breeze, on the lake or the pool's surface.
1870 W. Morris Earthly Paradise I. i. 103 Welcome, O March! whose kindly days and dry Make April ready for the throstle's song.
1922 E. R. Eddison Worm Ouroboros xii. 174 A high green knoll, like some fragment of a kindlier clime that over-lived into an age of ruin.
2015 Bury Free Press (Nexis) 23 June Lots of visitors and kindly weather made Bardwell Village Fete a success for all.
(b) Of soil: favourable to growth or cultivation (esp. of a particular crop); arable, fertile. Also figurative. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1613 G. Markham Eng. Husbandman: 1st Pt. Former Pt. viii. sig. H If you be assured that your ground will beare Wheate well, it is small Husbandrie to sow more Rye or Maslin then for your house: but if it be too hot for Wheate, and kindly for Rye, then it is better to haue good Rye, then ill Wheate.
1699 W. Dampier Voy. & Descr. i. ii. 25 This [Rice] serves them for Bread-corn; and as the Country is very kindly for it, so their Inhabitants live chiefly of it.
1776 Edinb. Amusement 26 Dec. 13 Lands which he improves with sheep's dung, so that it destroys the heather, and affords in its place kindly grass.
1789 G. White Nat. Hist. Selborne 4 A kind of white land..neither fit for pasture nor for the plough, yet kindly for hops.
1841 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Oct. 418/2 Wolf's..objections to all the received opinions had fallen upon a kindly soil: the public mind had reacted powerfully.
1877 Trans. Highland Soc. 9 79 The exposure in the main is southern, the soil chiefly a rich kindly loam with good subsoil.
1905 Southern Planter June 478/2 The soil is kindly and responds to generous treatment.
2011 Farmers Guardian (Nexis) 14 Sept. 23 The farm enjoyed the advantage of having Insch-type soil, which is noted for its kindly loam.
Compounds
C1. Parasynthetic.
ΚΠ
1777 A. Burnaby 6 Occas. Serm. iii. 57 We are taught to be kindly intentioned and beneficent to each other.
1811 Glasgow Mag. May 35 I..gave a flat refusal to the (perhaps) kindly-intentioned, and really hospitable invitation of my old school-fellow.
1871 S. Smiles Character viii. 227 It is the kindly-dispositioned men who are the active men of the world.
1938 Scotsman 2 Apr. 15/2 General Pozas, a tall, kindly-mannered man of about 50, commanded the forces.
1979 N.Y. Times Mag. 9 Sept. 124/2 Fritz, a kindly eyed senior with a red shrub of a beard, mixed Bloody Marys.
2002 A. N. Wilson Victorians (2003) xxiii. 345 London alone sent £80,000 worth of provisions to the starving, but here her kindly-minded subjects were not at one with the Queen.
C2. † kindly born adj. Obsolete rare native.† kindly limb n. Obsolete rare the genitals; cf. i-cundely limb n. at i-cundely adj.Only in Old English.† kindly wit n. Obsolete natural or innate reason.
ΘΚΠ
the world > people > nations > native people > [adjective]
inbornc1000
theodiscc1000
i-cundeOE
landisha1300
kindc1325
denizen1483
kindly born1483
native1488
naturally born1523
naturala1533
home-bred?1560
natural1574
home-born1577
homeling1577
natural-born1583
land-born1589
self-bred1590
self-born1597
indigene1598
land-breda1599
vernaculous1606
kindly1609
inbred1625
terrigenist1631
native-born1645
indigenous1646
indigenary1651
indigenital1656
aboriginal1698
own-born1699
indigenal1725
homegrown1737
terrigenous1769
indigenate1775
1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) (1859) iv. xxxviii. 64 Nought only straungeours, but also the kyndely borne men of this same land.
1849 J. W. Marston Strathmore (ed. 2) iii. i. 36 Though kindly born a thriftless outcast now?
kindly-faced adj. = kind-faced adj. at kind adj. and adv. Compounds 1b.
ΚΠ
1856 Monthly Packet Dec. 415 ‘No, no,’ answered Mr. Proctor.., a middle-aged, kindly-faced man.
1926 Motor Boating Jan. 13/1 A kindly-faced, middle aged woman elbowed her way through the crowd.
2003 S. Holman Mammoth Cheese iv. 61 A kindly-faced but no-nonsense woman from the Islands.
kindly feeder n. now rare an animal which is easy to feed or fatten.In quot. 1770 figurative, with reference to a person.
ΚΠ
1770 T. Bridges Burlesque Transl. Homer I. ii. 90 To raise the courage of the leaders, (Who all, by luck were kindly feeders, And lov'd to box with bellies full) Atrides roasted a young bull.
1793 J. Sinclair Statist. Acct. Scotl. VIII. 73 Mr. Culley's kind of sheep..are as kindly feeders as the others are slow ones.
1842 J. Aiton Clerical Econ. iv. 194 The Chinese [pig] is the best for eating, being small in the bone, fine in the fibre, and kindly feeders.
1874 Times 30 Nov. 10/2 Mr. Slatter's magnificent cow..has a beautiful coat, a nice head, and the look of a most kindly feeder.
1918 A. H. Sanders Shorthorn Cattle 305 Muscatoon was a red with..the full eye of the kindly feeder.
1954 Jrnl. Ministry Agric. 61 152 The Hereford is undoubtedly a good, kindly feeder, particularly suited to grass fattening.
kindly-hearted adj. = kind-hearted adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > [adjective]
mildeOE
blitheOE
goodOE
well-willingOE
beina1200
goodfulc1275
blithefula1300
faira1300
benignc1320
gainc1330
sweetc1330
kinda1333
propicec1350
well-willeda1382
well-disposeda1393
well-hearteda1393
well-willinga1393
friendsomea1400
well-willya1400
charitablec1405
well-willed1417
good-heartedc1425
kindlyc1425
honeyed1435
propitious1440
affectuousc1441
willya1449
homelyc1450
benevolous1470
benigned1470
benevolent1482
favourousc1485
well-meaned1488
well-meaning1498
humanec1500
favourablec1503
affectionatea1516
well-mindedc1522
beneficial1526
propiciant1531
benignate1533
well-intendeda1535
beneficious1535
kind-hearted1535
well-given1535
affectioned1539
well-wishing1548
figgy?1549
good-meaning1549
affectedc1553
affectionated1561
well-natured1561
well-affected?1563
officious1565
well-inclined1569
good-natured1582
partial1587
graceful?1593
well-intentioned1598
beneficent1616
candid1633
kindlike1637
benefic1641
kindly-hearted1762
well-meant1765
benignanta1782
sweet-hearted1850
1762 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy V. x. 56 He is a kindly-hearted gentleman.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 28 So spake the kindly-hearted Earl.
1994 Daily Mail (Nexis) 7 Dec. 9 He was a lovely, kindly-hearted, merry chap.
2005 S. Dallas New Mercies vi. 180 She was a kindly hearted woman.
ΚΠ
OE tr. Pseudo-Apuleius Herbarium (Harl. 585) (O.E.D. transcript) (1984) clxv. 210 Wið ða monoðlican to astyrgynne genim þysse ylcan wyrte sædes..& to þam cyndelican lime [OE Vitell. gecyndelican lime] gelæd; hyt þa monoðlican astyreð & þæt tudder of þam cwiðan gelædeð.
kindly looking adj. having the appearance of kindliness.
ΚΠ
1774 H. Brooke Juliet Grenville (Dublin ed.) II. 76 A kindly looking woman took me under the arm.
1840 E. Howard Jack Ashore I. ix. 178 That kindly looking gentleman, that's blushing up to the eyes.
1948 Life 8 Nov. 74/2 He has painted jungle scenes in which human beings disport themselves among kindly looking lions and tigers.
2015 D. Lambdin Kings & Emperors xxxii. 248 A kindly looking older Sergeant with white hair was tending them.
kindly-natured adj. having a kind nature or disposition.
ΚΠ
1803 S. T. Coleridge Coll. Lett. (1956) II. 990 He [sc. Hazlitt] is, I verily believe, kindly-natured.
1912 McClure's Mag. Apr. 384/2 How could she have been so foolish as to take that disagreeable old man for kindly-natured Mr. Willis?
2012 E. Mackle Only Make Believe 129 He's a kindly natured boy, but somewhat slow and childlike.
ΚΠ
a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) 2003 Þe dede fra a man his mynd reves And na kyndely witte with hym leves.
1509 tr. A. de la Sale Fyftene Ioyes of Maryage (de Worde) (new ed.) Prohemye sig. A.iijv Lyke to a wyght that in to pryson depe Without cause, all hastely dooth crepe So do they oft for lacke of kyndely wytte.
1651 H. More Second Lash of Alazonomastix 4 It is..your egregious Perspicacity and kindly Wit..that has extorted this Testimony of love and respect from Your affectionate friend.
Derivatives
ˈkindly-like adj. and adv. originally and chiefly Scottish (a) adj. characterized by kindness (in various senses); (b) adv. in a manner suggesting kindness or pleasantness.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > [adverb]
welleOE
blithec1000
blithelyc1000
goodfullya1300
blethelyc1300
milthlyc1300
kindlya1375
benignlyc1380
en-gree14..
homelya1425
benevolently1532
benign1535
obsequiously?1536
kindly1581
kind1592
propitiously1600
kindlily1625
well-meaningly1645
obligingly1646
candidly1650
beneficentlya1717
kindly-like1716
good-naturedly1725
benignantly1791
kindheartedly1803
a1658 J. Durham Clavis Cantici (1668) v. 317 It's a kindly-like thing, to have a honourable esteem of Christ's works in the heart.
1716 R. Wodrow Corr. (1843) II. 136 [They] never carried more friendly and kindly-like than they did.
1751 W. McCulloch in Narr. Extraordinary Work Spirit of God (1790) 307 When he saw there was..a kindly-like concern about their salvation.
1840 Desultory Sketches & Tales Barbados ii. 26 Well den, says he, soft and kindly like, when you returns dis way, you can step in and get some dinner.
1883 Aberdeen Weekly Jrnl. 1 Dec. 8/1 Ye said devil, but I wudna say't that way. I say deevil, it's mair kindly like.
1920 Pere Marquette Mag. Mar. 36/1 He may have meant it quite kindly-like.
2002 J. Smith Jessie's Journey xxiv. 168 The biggest man in Argyll smiled, and his face looked totally different, kindly-like.
2010 K. Koja Under the Poppy 308 He looked just the same: bowing to me all affable and kindly-like.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2016; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
kindlyadv.
/ˈkʌɪndli/, U.S. /ˈkaɪn(d)li/ I. In a natural manner.† 2. By birth or descent. Obsolete.Quot. a1375 may instead show sense 1a.
1. † a. In accordance with nature; by, through, or as a result of innate disposition or natural causes; naturally. Obsolete.† b. Thoroughly, completely; (also) accurately, exactly. Obsolete.† d. Without difficulty or reluctance; readily, easily, comfortably; (also) satisfactorily, well. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > [adverb] > innately or naturally
i-cundelyeOE
through kindc1225
proprementc1230
kindlya1250
naturallyc1275
kinda1325
by kindc1325
of kindc1325
in kind1340
properly1340
voluntarily1562
natively1590
alliably1593
physically1629
innately1632
natural1793
congenitally1862
connately1884
a1250 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Nero) (1952) 54 Þer ase muchel fur is kundeliche hit waxeð mid winde.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xvi. lxi. 856 Some [pearls] ben yfounde kyndeliche yþirled and þilke ben bettre þan oþre, and some ben yþirled by crafte.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 9431 Þe first lagh was kald ‘o kind’, þat es to sai, kindli to do, Al þat him was biden to.
c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 63 (MED) Hethen men, whiche han not lawe, doon kindeli tho thingis whiche ben of the lawe.
a1500 (?a1425) tr. Secreta Secret. (Lamb.) 114 Kepe þe fro a man þat kyndly is ȝalow and blew.
1528 R. Copland tr. Secrete of Secretes of Arystotle sig. I.iv He is of a good nature and complexyon, that hath softe flesshe and moyst, meanely smothe and rough, and that is kyndly betwene reed and whyte.
1563 W. Baldwin et al. Myrrour for Magistrates (new ed.) Blacke Smyth sig. Bb.i Crabs like Crabs will kindly crall and crepe.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) iii. vi. sig. Ll8 Out of..her present behauiour, there might kindly arise a fitte beginning of her intended discourse.
1638 F. Rous Heavenly Acad. Pref. sig. A3v The heavenly gifts of God, when they move kindly and naturally, doe move like the Heavens, in a circular motion..; from God unto God.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > [adverb] > carefully, thoroughly, or exhaustively
kindlyc1325
thoroughly1442
exhaustively1817
throughly1885
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 7257 Normandie þoru þe king & þoru þe quene engelond Iioyned were þo kundeliche as in one monnes hond.
c1390 (a1376) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Vernon) (1867) A. vi. l. 29 I knowe him as kuyndeliche as Clerk doþ his bokes.
a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) 221 If he hym-self knew kyndely, He suld haf knawyng of God almyghty.
a1450 (?1419–20) Friar Daw's Reply (Digby) l. 304 in P. L. Heyworth Jack Upland (1968) 82 Sich as ben gaderid in couentis to gidere þis clepe we monasticale þat kendly is knowun.
1589 J. Eliot tr. Aduise Catholike Gentleman 57 Two rebels are not be found in the field togither, they haue bene hit on the hips so kindly these two sundry times.
1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet ii. iii. 52 Ro. Meaning to cursie. Mer. Thou hast most kindly hit it. View more context for this quotation
1642 J. Goodwin Irelands Advocate 36 Such a spiritual exigencie as is now presented to us, if we tooke the impressions of it kindly & fully, would..enable us to worke miracles.
c. In a suitable or appropriate manner; properly, fittingly. In later use (with reference to the progress of a disease, injury, medical procedure, etc.): without complications. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > [adverb] > to the nature of the thing
kindlyc1350
c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham Poems (1902) 8 (MED) Ne mede..Ne longeþ nauȝt to cristendom..For suich is kendeliche hot, Þaȝt þer no feer hit ne hente.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. xii. xxx. 637 Þe serpent hatiþ kyndely þis bridde.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 1 Clannesse who so kyndly cowþe comende.
1486 Bk. St. Albans sig. cj Who so will that an hawke endure and mew kyndli.
1577 Vicary's Profitable Treat. Anat. sig. F.iii The Lippes..keepe the mouth close tyl the meate were kindly chewed.
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis ii. 25 I vowd to be kindlye reuenged.
a1642 H. Best Farming & Memorandum Bks. (1984) 52 It is a very rare thinge to see oates ripe kindely, for usually the ridges will bee ripe..when the furres are greene.
1739 J. Sparrow tr. H. F. Le Dran Observ. Surg. lxxv. 262 The Suppuration proceeding kindly, the Wound became a simple Wound.
1771 J. Blake Let. to Surgeon on Inoculation 66 Ten or twenty eruptions appeared... They maturated kindly, and turned at the proper time.
1842 J. Aiton Clerical Econ. iv. 159 The butter and the cheese..are kindliest dealt with at home when they are made to be ate there.
1897 Jrnl. Med. & Sci. 3 156/2 The patient recovered kindly from his ether.
1944 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 12 Aug. 211/2 Failure of the wound to heal kindly leaves the operative result something less than perfect.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > [adverb] > without effort or strain
kindlya1375
naturally?a1425
unforcedly1632
readily1638
handily1834
hands down1853
effortlessly1865
strainlessly1927
comfortably1932
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 14 (MED) Þe herd sat..clouȝtand kyndely his schon as to here craft falles.
c1390 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 151 (MED) I preye þat crist vs spede Kuyndely to kepe his comaundement.
c1425 Bk. Found. St. Bartholomew's (1923) 62 (MED) Sumwhat that commyth of wynnyng of ther shippys frely they brynge, kyndely, and ioyfully.
c1440 Prose Life Alexander (Thornton) (1913) 88 (MED) Þat that oure lawe demes to be done t[i]ll wikked men, ȝe suffere kyndely.
a1500 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Chetham) l. 1917 + 3 He gave hym a dynt than, His sworde so kyndly yode, That at the breste the dynt stode.
?1558 T. Hill Most Briefe Treat. Garden ii. sig. A.viii Not euerye grounde kindly bringeth up garden herbes.
?1600 H. Plat Delightes for Ladies sig. F8v Oile & butter wil incorporate and agree very kindelie and naturally togither.
1658 T. Manton Pract. Comm. Jude verse 2 As we say of children that take the dug kindly, they will thrive and do well enough.
a1722 E. Lisle Observ. Husbandry (1757) 217 The grass, which they will not eat kindly of till the sun has warmed it.
1791 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse §243 The ground chain now came in kindly.
1831 Perthshire Advertiser 4 Aug. The fallows have wrought kindly, are generally in fine order, and ready for the seed furrow.
1886 Sat. Rev. 6 Mar. 327/2 One often hears it said, ‘Such and such an animal knows So-and-so the moment he gets up, and always goes kindly with him’.
ΚΠ
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 111 Werwolf was he non..For þe kud king of spayne was kindely his fader.
a1450 (c1370) G. Chaucer Complaint unto Pity (Tanner) (1871) l. 71 Ffor kyndely by youre heritage righte Ye be annexed euyr vnto bounte.
a1525 Eng. Conquest Ireland (Trin. Dublin) (1896) 22 Of the folke of Troy we ben kyndlych [a1500 Rawl. Kynly] y-come.
II. In an affectionate, kind, or pleasant manner.† 3. Originally: with natural or familial affection. In later use more generally: affectionately, fondly, lovingly. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > affection > [adverb]
sweetly?c1225
dearworthlyc1230
kindlya1325
dearc1330
dearworthilya1400
chislyc1400
affectiouslya1420
deliciouslyc1425
affectuouslyc1430
affectually1447
cherishlyc1475
fondly1561
affectionately1604
affectedly1609
affly1779
attachedly1794
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 2500 He it for-gaf hem mildelike, And luuede hem alle kinde-like.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1613 Eiþer oþer keste kindeliche þat time.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) ii. l. 3472 In grete sekenesse..he lay..Tille him com his sonne Richard, forsoth fulle kyndelie.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Prol. How kyndly and fatherly he [sc. God] helpeth the.
a1566 R. Edwards Damon & Pithias (1571) sig. B.iv These twoo,..loued so kindly, and friendly eche other, As thoughe they were Brothers.
1603 tr. Batchelars Banquet xv. sig. Kv She repeats withall, how kindly & intierly he loues her, how much he hath bestoed on her.., and how narroly he escaped her husband.
1677 G. Miege New Dict. French & Eng. i. sig. D4 Amoureusement, lovingly, kindly, affectionately.
1772 J. Wesley Let. 18 Sept. (1931) V. 339 You are acquainted with many whose love does not abound, who are not so kindly affectioned to those who do not exactly subscribe to their opinions.
4.
a. In a kind manner or with kind intentions; with benevolence or good nature; courteously.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > [adverb]
welleOE
fairOE
methelyOE
menskly?c1225
hendilyc1275
hendlyc1275
courteouslyc1290
bonairc1330
bonairly1340
goodly1372
debonairlya1375
henda1375
kindlya1375
fairlyc1480
humanelya1500
handsomely1542
civilly1552
gallantly1611
civil1642
politely1748
nicely1864
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > [adverb]
welleOE
blithec1000
blithelyc1000
goodfullya1300
blethelyc1300
milthlyc1300
kindlya1375
benignlyc1380
en-gree14..
homelya1425
benevolently1532
benign1535
obsequiously?1536
kindly1581
kind1592
propitiously1600
kindlily1625
well-meaningly1645
obligingly1646
candidly1650
beneficentlya1717
kindly-like1716
good-naturedly1725
benignantly1791
kindheartedly1803
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > [adjective] > characterized by goodwill or kind intention
well-willingOE
kindlya1375
well-meant?1476
well-wished1560
well-natured1561
willing-minded1564
well-meaned1580
well-intendeda1586
well-designed1641
well-designing1670
goodwilly1706
well-intentioned1734
good faith1880
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1697 William..hire þonked..of hire crafty cunsayl & kindliche hire bi-souȝt..winne hem tvo skinnes.
c1390 (a1376) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Vernon) (1867) A. iii. l. 15 (MED) Gentiliche..þe Iustise soone..Cumfortede hire kuyndely [c1400 Trin Cambr. kyndely, c1475 Douce kendely], and made hire good chere.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Shipman's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 353 Ye so kyndely this oother day Lente me gold, and as I kan and may I thanke yow.
a1425 (?c1350) Ywain & Gawain (1964) l. 171 (MED) I hailsed him kindly als I kowth..Mi sterap toke þat hende knight And kindly cumanded me to lyght.
c1475 (a1400) Awntyrs Arthure (Taylor) in J. Robson Three Early Eng. Metrical Romances (1842) 18 (MED) The kinge commawundet kindeli the Erle of Kente For his meculle curtasy to kepe the tother knyȝte.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 12v The knight was curtas & kendly he said Most louesom lady your lykyng be done.
1611 Bible (King James) Gen. i. 21 Hee comforted them, and spake kindly vnto them. View more context for this quotation
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World iii. 52 I was..very kindly welcomed both by the Captain and his Lieutenant.
1722 D. Defoe Hist. Col. Jack 178 They would be..us'd kindlier if they would show themselves as grateful.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. xiv. 131 Mr. Thornhill having kindly promised to inspect their conduct himself.
1814 M. Walker Let. 1 Dec. in D. Palk Prisoners' Lett. Bank Eng. 1781–1827 (2007) 61 The Captain of the Northampton has kindly permitted my Son to help to work the Ship.
a1882 Abp. Tait in Daily News (1891) 26 June 7/2 Tell him he is an ass,—but say so kindly.
1917 S. Leacock Frenzied Fiction viii. 135 The Prince took the pen and very kindly autographed for us seven photographs of himself.
1970 Jrnl. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 80 235 Mr Kirby has most kindly given us advance notice of his letter.
2013 Plymouth Herald (Nexis) 14 Aug. 20 Morrisons kindly donated scones.
b. figurative. In a way that is helpful, favourable, or agreeable to the recipient.Frequently with reference to weather, where there is probably also some admixture of the sense ‘mildly, agreeably’ (cf. kindly adj. 9c(a)).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > [adverb]
welleOE
blithec1000
blithelyc1000
goodfullya1300
blethelyc1300
milthlyc1300
kindlya1375
benignlyc1380
en-gree14..
homelya1425
benevolently1532
benign1535
obsequiously?1536
kindly1581
kind1592
propitiously1600
kindlily1625
well-meaningly1645
obligingly1646
candidly1650
beneficentlya1717
kindly-like1716
good-naturedly1725
benignantly1791
kindheartedly1803
1581 H. Chillester Youthes Witte 94 Since Maye doth come so kindly in, and doth reioyce both man and boy: With mirthe we do this May begin, in hope to end the yeare with ioy.
1594 M. Drayton Matilda sig. G3v Baynards-Castle boastes my blessed birth, And Dunmow kindly wraps mee in her earth.
1616 W. Stinnet Hundred Heauenly Thoughts lxvii. 108 The excellent and swift running Sunne quickly breakes out, and kindely cheeres the short and sweet nibled grasse.
a1690 Bp. E. Hopkins Expos. Lord's Prayer (1692) 170 He shall be to his People as soft Showers to the sprouting Grass, kindly nourishing it, and making it grow and flourish.
1743 H. Fielding Misc. I. 187 We almost universally mistake the Symptoms which Nature kindly holds forth to us.
1792 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) II. 629 The sun blinks kindly in the biel'.
1842 R. T. Claridge Hydropathy xiv. 146 He is not obliged to wait for rain kindly to quench his thirst, and moisten and wash his skin.
1884 Glasgow Med. Jrnl. 22 262 The grandest view..awaited me, and the clouds kindly broke to let me have the benefit of it.
1921 I. N. McFee Stories Amer. Inventions v. 78 Fortune kindly took a hand.
1987 Geobulletin 30 iv. 18/2 The rain kindly stopped to afford us the opportunity to treat the budding young geologists..to some of the excellent baby beef.
2009 L. Frantz Frontiersman's Daughter xxxix. 226 The sun kindly slipped to the west, casting them in a cool shadow.
c. Pleasantly, agreeably. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1591 J. Hester tr. J. Du Chesne Breefe Aunswere Expos. I. Aubertus f. 23v Iron..is brought into oile which may be ministred inwardly with more safetee and with great profite against the same diseases because it may be suffered of the naturall heate, and it wil also worke kindly vpon the bodie.
1604 N. F. Fruiterers Secrets 19 There be pippins..that haue the warmth of the sunne..they last long and eate kindly.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) Induct. i. 13 Let him come, and kindly . View more context for this quotation
1722 R. Bradley Gen. Treat. Husbandry II. 361 The Hog must be full half a Year, or at most nine Months old; for its Flesh will then eat kindly.
1849 G. Harley Guide Landscape Drawing in Pencil & Chalk 13 Venetian Red... mixes and works kindly with Cobalt or with French Blue, affording fine pearly grays.
1863 A. W. Kinglake Invasion of Crimea I. xiv. 210 How it was possible..that the coarse Bonaparte yoke of 1804 could be made to sit kindly upon the neck of France.
1907 House Beautiful 22 14/2 The vase..sits kindly in the atmosphere, just enough and not too much revealed.
1952 Jrnl. Royal Soc. Arts 100 820 Madame Ernst Calvat, a soft shade of pink, which goes kindly with yellow, was arranged with a modern rose, Peace.
2011 D. D. Workman in D. Guyol Elderberry Wine Vintage 2010 435 The increasing dearth Of Japanese style toilets Sits kindly with me.
5. Used as a courteous qualification to a polite request: ‘so as to be kind’; ‘please’.Now usually ironic, prefacing a demand rather than a request, and often expressing annoyance or irritation on the part of the speaker.
ΚΠ
1605 S. Rowley When you see Me sig. Biv Commend me to your king, and kindly tell him, The English Cardinall will remaine his friend.
1753 H. Jones Earl of Essex i. 134 Oh! Cecil, will you kindly lend Some pity to a wretch like me?
1856 M. C. Jackson Story of my Wardship I. v. 73 As I am a stranger here Mr. Compton, will you kindly..give..a name..to some of the faces..present?
1882 T. Hardy Two on Tower I. xii. 201 Would he kindly leave the door unfastened to-morrow, she had asked.
1937 R. K. Narayan Bachelor of Arts ix. 133 Will you kindly make your meaning clearer?
1984 E. Sykes Great Crime of Grapplewick (1985) xv. 118 The referee..blew his whistle right into his face. ‘Kindly leave the field,’ he said.
2014 C. Tóibín Nora Webster vii. 115 Miss Kavanagh, when I am working, you will kindly..keep your voice down.
Phrases
P1. to take (something) kindly: to accept (something) pleasantly or with gratitude; (also) to like or be pleased by something.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > receiving > receive [verb (transitive)] > accept > pleasantly or as a kindness
to take (something) kindly1564
1564 W. Bullein Dialogue against Fever Pestilence f. 14 He will take it kindely, that we doe claime kinred on him by his mothers side.
1586 A. Day Eng. Secretorie i. sig. Hv I haue wel conceiued of your letter..and doe take verye kindely whatsoeuer therin with good affection you haue so plentifully tendred.
1648 Mercurius Pragmaticus No. 30 sig. Ttv The poore oppressed Countryman cannot chuse but take it kindly at their hands, to be mock't and suck't by these Flesh-flies both together.
1677 A. Littleton Eng.–Lat. Dict. (at cited word), in Dictionarium Latino-Barbarum To take a thing kindly,..œquo, bono animo accipere.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 14. ⁋1 I took his Admonition kindly.
1767 G. Whitefield Let. 28 Dec. in Wks. (1771) III. 367 What if you wrote him a line? I am sure it will be taken kindly; for I know he honours and loves you.
1856 ‘Stonehenge’ Man. Brit. Rural Sports 378/2 If the horse will take them [sc. hurdles] kindly.., he may be considered perfect.
1890 Macmillan's Mag. Sept. 372/2 If you found she took it kindly you could offer her the brooch afterwards.
1961 P. Larkin Let. 10 Apr. in Sel. Lett. (1992) 327 It was good of you to take it kindly & not tell me to pull myself together etcetera !
1983 W. Goldman Adventures in Screen Trade 216 If we ‘Hollywooded it up’—i.e., put in dancing girls—there was no way they would take it kindly.
2014 N.Y. Times (Nexis) 15 Sept. d7 He spared his coach a defeat that would not have been taken kindly by the friends of the program in State College.
P2. to thank kindly and variants: to thank (someone) very much; (also) to thank politely.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > gratitude > thank [verb (transitive)] > heartily
to thank kindly?1565
?1565 Enterlude Welth & Health sig. B.ii Now I thanke you both full kindly.
1596 E. Monings Landgraue of Hessen his Receiuing of her Maiesties Embassador 6 The Princes house, which his Excellencie desired him to vse..as his owne, for which my Lord thanked the Prince verie kindlie.
1627 Hist. Fryer Bacon (new ed.) sig. A3v He for reuerence sake to the Priest, showed not his anger, but kindly thanked him for his paines and counsell.
1662 in C. Wordsworth Scholæ Acad. (1877) 293 (note) Mother I kindly thank yo for yr Orange pills yo sent me.
1705 J. Vanbrugh Confederacy i. i. 1 Thank you kindly, Mrs. Amlet.
1786 R. Burns Poems 203 Yet ye'll neglect to shaw your parts, An' thank him kindly?
1838 J. Grant Sketches London 207 I thaunk'd her kindly for her condescension, and hoped she was weel hersel'.
1887 J. Service Life Dr. Duguid 89 I thanked him kindly, and went out from his presence a handbreid heicher in my own estimation.
1905 H. G. Wells Kipps in Pall Mall Mag. Nov. 640/2 Thanking you kindly, but I don't have no butcher-boys making game at me.
1950 N. Paterson Behold Thy Daughter 111. iii Thank ye, Mistress Skene, thank ye richt kindly ma'am.
2002 Daily Mail (Nexis) 14 Oct. 14 Bernstein..offered me a job as a documentary producer. I thanked him kindly but indicated that my ambitions lay in other directions.
P3. to look kindly on (also upon): to regard (someone or something) with affection, sympathy, or approval. Now often in negative constructions.
ΚΠ
1602 F. Davison et al. Poet. Rapsody sig. B.7 When you looke kindely on me, They [sc. your eyes] loue incite.
1707 C. Cibber Lady's Last Stake ii. 25 She dares not tho' in Raillery look kindly on me.
1814 J. Austen Mansfield Park II. vi. 122 I only want her to look kindly on me, to give me smiles as well as blushes.
1843 G. Chatterton Pyrenees II. x. 128 The old Count, her father, did not look kindly upon his suit, for he hated the English.
1945 J. R. R. Tolkien Let. 9 Aug. (1995) 116 We're in God's hands. But He does not look kindly on Babel-builders.
1998 Gay Times Aug. 54/1 His new title has not disposed him to look any more kindly upon mere journalists.
2010 Independent on Sunday 10 Jan. 36/2 While only 28 per cent of voters had a positive view of Republicans,..fully 41 per cent looked kindly on the Tea Party movement.
P4. to take kindly to: to welcome or be pleased by; (also) to find (something) suitable, to thrive or do well in. Now chiefly in negative constructions: to be displeased by, to dislike.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > liking or favourable regard > have liking for [verb (transitive)] > take a liking to
fain1483
fancy1545
conceit1589
to take kindly to1733
to take to ——1748
to take a shine to1839
tumble1887
to cotton on to1907
1733 P. Miller Gardener's Dict. (ed. 2) at Persica If they do take kindly to the Soil, their Branches may be so train'd, as to furnish all the lower-part of the Wall in a few Years.
1756 T. Hale et al. Compl. Body Husbandry viii. iii. 452/1 When any Creature the Farmer has a Mind to feed with the Turnip, does not take kindly to it at first, the Way is to boil it.
1761 G. Colman Jealous Wife v. 96 It was proposed, You know, to match Me with Miss Harriot—But She can't take kindly to me.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas IV. x. x. 152 I took very kindly to my condition.
a1865 E. C. Gaskell Wives & Daughters (1866) I. xxix. 330 They don't take kindly to me..and so I suppose I'm not generous enough to take kindly to them.
1937 Amer. Home Apr. 115/1 I had serious doubt as to whether the birds would take kindly to the windmill.
1961 L. E. Van Onselen Trekboer 138 The merino does not take kindly to this part of the country.
2005 J. M. Coetzee Slow Man x. 68 He will not take kindly to being preached to.
Compounds
C1. With adjectives and participles to form adjectives, as kindly intended, kindly looking, etc.
ΚΠ
1596 C. M. Second Pt. Nature of Woman ii. sig. C2v He feared if he should againe fall into his olde frantick furie, it would alter the minds of these kindly vsing creatures to the execution of some other act.
1599 H. Buttes Dyets Dry Dinner sig. Aa4 Then Whiffe, and smoke Tobaccos antidot From out thy kindly traunced Chimny-head.
1650 R. Baron Pocula Castalia 93 The kindly-ripning Springs And Golden-headed Harvest.
1688 S. Ford New Version Psalms lxxi. 194 As thou art just, to me afford A kindly bended ear.
1741 S. Richardson Pamela IV. viii. 52 Your kindly-offer'd Inquiries are needless, I believe.
1777 Scots Mag. Apr. 210/1 Ye Naiads, O propitious hear! Your kindly-healing powers bestow.
a1783 J. Orton Expos. Old Test. (1791) V. 489 What folly..to curse a messenger, for the sake of a kindly intended message!
1868 J. H. Newman Verses Var. Occasions 36 In the Church's Kindly-sheltering fold.
1885 Saddlers, Harness Makers, & Carriage Builders' Gaz. 1 Oct. 154/2 Some of his kindly put yet keenly satirical ‘flashes’ shew a brilliantly instructive light on horses and men.
1905 Outing Nov. 229 The full blooded, generous hearted, kindly speaking, manly, womanly sort.
1914 Amer. Stationer 3 Jan. 24/1 He was a kindly appearing man, slightly under middle age.
2015 Fife Today (Nexis) 29 July Geordie Munro is a kindly looking old soul.
C2.
kindly-meant adj. (of an action, remark, etc.) said or done with good intentions.In later use usually with some suggestion that the thing described is unhelpful or counterproductive.
ΚΠ
1741 Controv. conc. Free-will & Predestination (ed. 2) Pref. p. vi The Author hopes, That neither Mr. Whitfield, nor his Party, will take this kindly meant Warning amiss of him.
1846 Countess of Blessington Mem. Femme de Chambre II. i. 15 Selina blushing to her very temples,..taken unawares by the commonplace, but kindly-meant question.
1940 Gettysburg (Pa.) Times 20 May 4/4 Lance seemed to shrink in upon himself, hating..this kindly meant offer which only drove home his helplessness.
2015 Sunday Times (Nexis) 19 Apr. (News Review section) 4 Kindly meant platitudes will rub salt in the wounds.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2016; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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adj.OEadv.a1250- from the getgo
- from the ground up
- from the heart
- from the horse's mouth
- from the housetops
- from the jump
- from the life
- from the look
- from the looks
- from the matter
- from the month
- from the mouth of a person
- from the outset
- from the outside
- from the plough-tail
- from the ploughtail
- from the polewards
- from the purpose
- from the rough
- from the same stable
- from the seaward
- from the shoreward
- from the shoulder
- from the sidelines
- from the spleen