▪ I. saintly, a.
(ˈseɪntlɪ)
[f. saint n. + -ly1.]
Of, belonging to, or befitting a saint or saints; of great holiness or sanctity; sainted.
| 1660 R. Coke Power & Subj. 43 The Saintly King Edward Confessor. 1665–6 Pepys Diary 17 Jan., The same weake silly lady as ever, asking such saintly questions. 1781 Cowper Truth 105 Which is the saintlier worthy of the two? 1819 Keats Eve of St. Agnes v, Wing'd St. Agnes' saintly care. 1847 De Quincey Sp. Mil. Nun Wks. 1854 III. 53 Solitary Arab's tent, rising with saintly signals of peace, in the dreadful desert. 1868 Milman St. Paul's xi. 274 There might..be found Farrers and Bernard Gilpins, of most saintly lives. |
▪ II. † ˈsaintly, adv. Obs.
[-ly2.]
Holily.
| 1532 More Confut. Tindale Wks. 720/2 Babble he neuer so sayntely. 1653 Ld. Vaux tr. Godeau's St. Paul 209 Doe not think your selves so saintly disposed, as is requisite. |