† gnaˈthonical, a. Obs.
Also 6–7 -all, gnatonical(l.
[f. as prec. + -al1.]
Resembling Gnatho or his proceedings; parasitical, toad-eating.
| 1540 Palsgr. tr. Acolastus iv. ii. S ij, The chiefe or principal honour of the gnathonical sect. 1590 Greene Orl. Fur. (1599) 13 Knowing him to be a Thrasonicall mad-cap, they haue sent mee a Gnathonicall companion, to giue him lettice fit for his lips. 1603 Bp. W. Barlow Conf. Hampton Crt. To Rdr., Whome it might haue pleased, without his Gnathonical appeale to haue rested in his Maiesties determination. 1631 R. H. Arraignm. Whole Creature vii. 52 Bee not uncased, out of your lands, your livings..by such gnatonicall Conny- (money) catchers. 1721–1800 Bailey, Gnathonical, flattering, deceitful in Words, soothing a Person's Humour to get by him. |
Hence † gnaˈthonically adv.
| 1596 Nashe Saffron Walden Wks. (Grosart) III. 206, I hope there be some Bishops..doo disdaine their high calling should be so Gnathonically compar'd. 1623 Cockeram, Gnathonically, flatteringly. |