devilishly, adv.
(ˈdɛv(ə)lɪʃlɪ)
[f. prec. + -ly2.]
1. In a devilish manner, diabolically.
| 1531 Tindale Exp. 1 John (1537) 18 We synne not diuellishlye agaynst the holy goost. 1642 Fuller Holy & Prof. St. v. xi. 405 None but devils and men devilishly minded. 1830 Arnold Let. to Hare 24 Dec. in Stanley Life I. vi. 236 A devil's doctrine, certainly, and devilishly applied. 1878 E. Jenkins Haverholme 47 The declaration..has a touch of the devilishly humorous about it. |
2. Excessively, exceedingly: originally of things bad, but becoming at length a strong intensive.
| 1668 Shadwell Sullen Lovers iv, How devillishly impertinent is this. 1687 Settle Refl. Dryden 13 The Poet lyes Divellishly if he tells you [etc.]. 1782 E. N. Blower Geo. Bateman II. 140 She's devilishly pretty. 1845 Mrs. Carlyle Lett. I. 360, I think it devilishly well done. |