demurely, adv.
(dɪˈmjʊəlɪ)
[f. demure a. + -ly2.]
In a demure manner; gravely, modestly, meekly, quietly; with a gravity, meekness, or modesty that is affected or unnatural.
| c 1400 Rom. Rose 4627 She, demurely sad of chere. c 1430 Stans Puer 18 in Babees Bk. (1868) 27 Walke demurely bi streetis in þe toun. 1489 Caxton Faytes of A. iv. xiii. 268 The prynce or his lieutenant oughte to aduyse demewrely herupon. c 1500 Consecration of Nuns in Maskell Mon. Rit. II. 314 The virgyns shall demeurely arryse and make a reverence to the bisshop. 1596 Shakes. Merch. V. ii. ii. 201 If I doe not put on a sober habite..Weare prayer bookes in my pocket, looke demurely. 1600 Dekker Gentle Craft Wks. 1873 I. 43 I'le looke as demurely as a Saint. 1687 Sedley Bellamira iv. i, He look'd so demurely, I thought butter would not haue melted in his mouth. 1768 Beattie Minstr. i. xvi, And now his look was most demurely sad. 1848 C. Brontë J. Eyre xi, Folding her little hands demurely before her. 1886 Manch. Exam. 27 Feb. 5/3 They sat down demurely in opposite corners of the carriage and observed a dignified silence. |
† b. Of things: In a subdued manner. Obs.
| 1606 Shakes. Ant. & Cl. iv. ix. 30 Hearke the drummes demurely wake the sleepers. |