competently, adv.
(ˈkɒmpɪtəntlɪ)
[f. prec. adj. + -ly2.]
In a competent manner (see the adj.): † appropriately, suitably; sufficiently, adequately; † moderately, fairly, ‘pretty’; † comfortably (in circumstances); with legal competence.
| c 1440 Promp. Parv. 89 Conably or competently, competenter. 1485 Caxton Chas. Gt. 244, Xxx poure men be fedde and clothed competently. 1540–1 Elyot Image Gov. 15 He dranke wyne not scarcely, nor to muche, but competently. 1611 Coryat Crudities 363 They are competently stored with hemp. 1651 Fuller Abel Rediv., Luther (1867) I. 58 He had his health competently well, but that sometimes he was troubled with the headache. 1660 Jer. Taylor Duct. Dubit. i. ii. iii. §29 She is not competently instructed. 1779–81 Johnson L.P., Butler, Wood mentions him as competently wealthy. 1837–9 Hallam Hist. Lit. iii. ii. §27 note, That the reason itself shall be competently enlightened. 1884 Ld. Selborne in Law Times Rep. 15 Mar. 60/2 Whether on that subject a bye⁓law might or might not have been competently made. |