† ˈfirely, a. and adv. Obs.
[f. fire n. + -ly.]
A. adj. Ardent, furious.
B. adv. Ardently, with fierce eagerness.
| 1340 Ayenb. 55 Þe þridde boȝ of þise zenne is to uerliche yerne to þe mete. 1435 Misyn Fire of Love ii. iv. 75 Þe qwhilk fyrely & opynly is byrnyd with fyre of lufe. |
Hence † ˈfirelihead, ardour, eagerness.
| 1340 Ayenb. 55 Þe more þet is þe ilke uerlichhede [ardeur] þe more is þe zenne. |