finally, adv.
(ˈfaɪnəlɪ)
Also 4 fynaly, 5–6 -ally, 5 fynallich.
[f. final a. + -ly2.]
1. In the end, lastly, at last, ultimately.
| c 1374 Chaucer Troylus iii. 1006 For þer-with mene I fynaly þe peyne..Fully to slen. c 1400 Beryn 1521 Fynallich, to the end of hir accordement. 1447 O. Bokenham Seyntys (Roxb.) 2 What was the entent Of the auctour fynally. a 1533 Ld. Berners Huon lix. 206 Fynally the forse of the paynyms was so gret that at length they coude not abyde it. a 1610 Healey Cebes (1636) 134 And finally, confirmeth the body in perfect soundnesse. 1729 Butler Serm. Wks. 1874 II. 36 Evil prevailing finally over good. 1825 J. Neal Bro. Jonathan I. 8 Finally, after having beaten him at everything else, he beat him at his own..game. 1860 Tyndall Glac. i. ix. 64 We finally swerved to the right. |
b. Indicating the last point or conclusion of a discourse, treatise, etc.
| 1526 Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W. 1531) 2 Fynally, I beseche all..to pray for me wretche. 1611 Bible 2 Cor. xiii. 11 Finally, brethren, farewell. 1743 J. Morris Serm. vii. 206 Finally, let us all fear God. |
| quasi-adv. 1874 Aldrich Prud. Palfrey x. (1885) 164 The poor old parson's interminable ninthlies and finallies. |
2. So as to make a complete end; in a manner not to be reversed or altered; once for all, decisively, conclusively.
| c 1400 Destr. Troy 10802 Lest his folke in the feld were fynally distroyet. 1512 Act 4 Hen. VIII c. 18 §14 All manner of Officers..[shall] be utterlye acquyted & fynallye discharged for ever. 1650 Fuller Pisgah iii. ix. 430 Devils he cast out of men so finally, that they entred no more into them. a 1716 South Serm. (1737) II. 229 Many men are finally lost. 1801 Foster in Life & Corr. (1846) I. 130 Finally settle the great account. 1884 Manch. Exam. 28 May 5/4 The arrangement..would..deal finally and effectually with a national question. |