▪ I. † ˈformly, a. Obs. rare—1.
[f. form n. + -ly1.]
Having (proper) form, shapely.
| 1548 Vicary Eng. Treas. (1626) 12 Through him every member is made the formelier, and taketh the better shape. |
▪ II. † ˈformly, adv. Obs.
Forms: 4 forma-, formelich(e, -ly, 5 fourmely.
[f. form n. + -liche, -ly2.]
In proper form; also, with regard to the ‘form’ or essential nature; = formally.
| c 1374 Chaucer Boeth. v. pr. iv. 128 (Camb. MS.) It biholdeth alle thingis so as I shal seye bi a strok of thogth formely [L. formaliter] with owte discours or collation. ― Troylus iv. 469 (497) O where hastow ben hid so longe in muwe That canst so wel and formely [v.r. formaly] arguwe? 1377 Langl. P. Pl. B. xv. 366 For is none of þis newe clerkes..Þat can versifye faire ne formalich [C. xviii. 109 formeliche] enditen. 1470 Fortescue in Gov. England (1885) 350 How the lawe may be fourmely kepte. |