▪ I. marly, a.1
(ˈmɑːlɪ)
Also 6, 8 -ey, 7–8 -ie.
[f. marl n.1 + -y.]
Resembling, or partaking of the qualities of, marl; composed of marl; abounding with marl.
| c 1420 Pallad. on Husb. i. 252 Lond is best for whete If hit be marly, thicke, and sumdel weete. 1572 J. Jones Bathes Buckstone 1 b, It should not onely bee of another collour marly yellow, or swarty greene; but also [etc.]. 1616 Surfl. & Markh. Country Farm 13 All Clayes which are blacke, gray, or marlie. 1791 W. Bartram Carolina 183 A loose..sandy loam, on a clay or marley foundation. 1866 Geo. Eliot F. Holt 3 The land around was rich and marly. |
▪ II. marly, a.2 Sc. and dial.
(ˈmɑːlɪ)
Also Sc. mirl(e)y.
[See marled ppl. a.2]
Spotted, streaked, marbled.
| 1721 Ramsay Tartana 161 But if behind some marly cloud he [the sun] steal. 1790 A. Wilson Wren Poems 188 What woe Gars thee sit mourning..And rive thy mirley breast? 1807 Tannahill Poems (1815) 191 The mirly-breasted birds. |
▪ III. marly
variant of marli.