benignly, adv.
(bɪˈnaɪnlɪ)
[f. benign + -ly2.]
1. In a benign manner; kindly, graciously.
| c 1380 Wyclif Wks. (1880) 44 Þe mynystris owe to resceyue hem benygnely and bi charite. 1528 More Heresyes iii. Wks. 213/1 The gretest prelate in this realme..dismissed him very benygnely. 1862 Lytton Str. Story I. 129 Mrs. Ashleigh looked at me benignly. |
† 2. Meekly, gently, humbly. Obs.
| c 1386 Chaucer Pars. T. ¶35 Penitence destreyneth a man to accepte benygnely euery peyne that hym is enioyned. 1393 Langl. P. Pl. C. xv. 57 Yf men wolde hit [mercy] aske Buxumliche and benygneliche. 1557 Paynell Barcklaye's Jugurthe 7 He answered benygnely for the tyme. |
3. Of things: Genially, favourably, auspiciously.
| a 1687 Waller (J.) Yet they [eyes] so benignly shine. 1752 Young Brothers i. i. (1757) II. 202 Benignly bright, as stars to mariners. 1871 R. Ellis Catullus xlvi. 2 Zephyrus, health benignly breathing. |