lithelyadv.
/ˈlʌɪðli/, U.S. /ˈlaɪðli/ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > gentleness or mildness > [adverb]
lithelyc897
softeOE
mildOE
methelyOE
mildlyOE
mansuetelyc1429
gently1525
gentle1548
tenderfully1640
laxly1785
placably1797
unfrowardly1869
c897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care xxi. 150 Hwilum liðelice to ðreatigeanne.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 315 Leareð ham to halden hare riuwlen..liðeliche & luueliche.
a1240 Sawles Warde in Cott. Hom. 259 Wel is riht þat we þe liðeliche lustnin.
2. With pliant movement; briskly, nimbly.
ΚΠ
1813 J. Hogg Queen's Wake i. viii. 72 And quhen we cam to the Lommond height, Se lythlye we lychtid doune.
1854 Fraser's Mag. 50 398 Your line springs lithely into the air, hookless, and of course fishless.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1903; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
adv.c897