maidenly, a. and adv.
(ˈmeɪd(ə)nlɪ)
[f. maiden n. + -ly.]
A. adj.
1. Of or pertaining to a maiden, or to maidenhood. In early use = virgin a.
| 1450–1530 Myrr. our Ladye 112 Whyche shulde be conceyued and borne of thy maidenly body. 1582 Bentley Mon. Matrones Pref. B j, Even from their tender and maidenlie yeeres, to spend their time..in the studies of noble and approved sciences. 1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus lxiv. 78 Taxed of her youthful array, her maidenly bloom fresh-glowing. 1892 Temple Bar May 114 The maidenly curve of her bust. |
b. nonce-use. (Cf. maiden a. 6.)
| 1823 Byron Juan xiii. xc, An orator,..Who had deliver'd well a very set Smooth speech, his first and maidenly transgression. |
† 2. Of persons: Resembling a maiden in action or bearing. Characterized by a maiden's qualities, e.g. gentleness, modesty, timidity. Obs.
| 1523 Skelton Garl. Laurel 865 Lyke to Aryna maydenly of porte. 1549 Chaloner Erasmus on Folly A ij, Shall one of those shamefast and maidenly men not sticke than to displaie his pecockes fethers? 1592 Greene Groatsw. Wit (1617) D 3 b, My brother is a maidenly Batcheler. 1597 Shakes. 2 Hen. IV, ii. ii. 82 Wherefore blush you now? what a Maidenly man at Armes are you become? 1655 W. Gurnall Chr. in Arm. verse 14. iii. (1669) 8/2 They..were so maidenly and fearful, as not to venture down their hills, for fear of drowning. 1672 Marvell Reh. Transp. i. 4 Our author is very maidenly, and condescends to his Bookseller not without some reluctance. |
3. Of qualities, actions, etc.: Proper to, or characteristic of a maiden.
| 1532 More Confut. Tindale Wks. 626/1 To learne of hys lemman some very maidenly shamefastenes. 1590 Shakes. Mids. N. iii. ii. 217 And will you rent our ancient loue asunder, To ioyne with men in scorning your poore friend? It is not friendly, 'tis not maidenly. 1748 Richardson Clarissa (1811) II. 68 A confession, that all your past behaviour was maidenly reserve only. 1849 James Woodman xxii, She..with maidenly modesty retired till she had the sanction of her guardian's presence. 1884 Contemp. Rev. Oct. 547 The manner in which Miss Victoria Dare..captures Lord Dunbeg..is not exactly maidenly. |
B. adv. After the fashion of a maiden; in a maidenly manner.
| 1596 Harington Metam. Ajax (1813) 20, I that maidenly to write was wont. 1625 Gonsalvio's Sp. Inquis. 59 Bending her head downeward maidenly. 1844 Mrs. Browning Crowned & Wedded, Her looks turned maidenly to ground. 1889 F. M. Crawford Greifenstein I. ii. 39 She was..away from the world,..and maidenly ignorant of all it contained. |