improperly, adv.
(ɪmˈprɒpəlɪ)
[f. improper a. + -ly2.
The instance from Gower stands alone in date; the word, like its adj. improper, coming into general use in the 16th c. But properly is common from c 1225. The corresp. F. adv. improprement occurs in Oresme (14th c.).]
In an improper manner; wrongly, incorrectly, unsuitably, unbecomingly.
| 1390 Gower Conf. I. 21 The world as of his propre kynde Was euere vntrewe and as þe blynde Improprelich he demeþ fame. 1531 Elyot Gov. i. xxv, Modestie: whiche worde nat beinge knowen in the englisshe tonge,..they improprely named this vertue descretion. 1577 tr. Bullinger's Decades (1592) 463 Justification is properly attributed to the reconciling righteousnesse through Christ Jesus, and is improperly ascribed to the obeying righteousnes, or righteousnes of obedience. 1661–98 South Serm. III. 6 Merit, which we may not improperly define ‘A Right to receive some good upon the score of some good done’. 1776 Trial of Nundocomar 97/1 The seal of Bollakey Doss was improperly made use of. 1879 Cassell's Techn. Educ. vi. 339/2 The heroic Jeanne Darc (commonly but improperly written d'Arc). 1885 Law Rep. 29 Ch. Div. 454 The lease..has been by mistake improperly drawn. |