basely, adv.
(ˈbeɪslɪ)
[f. base a. + -ly2.]
† 1. In a low position, low down. Obs.
| c 1500 Partenay 1216 Sauyng þat on ey had he more basly Then þat other. |
† 2. In a low tone, softly, quietly. Obs.
| 1562 J. Heywood Prov. & Epigr. (1867) 216 Talke thou basely, talke thou boldely. 1577 Dee Relat. Spir. i. (1659) 365, I hear..a whistling very basely. |
3. In humble rank of life; illegitimately. ? Obs.
| 1583 Stanyhurst æneis ii. (Arb.) 61 Baselye Neoptolemus was borne. 1631 Gouge God's Arrows iii. ii. 185 Commonly such as are basely borne..are of ill disposition. |
4. With contemptible cowardice, treachery, or meanness; dishonourably, disingenuously.
| ? c 1550 Robin Hood (Ritson) ix. 92 Beshrew thy heart, said Little John, Thou basely dost begin. 1656 Cowley Davideis ii. Wks. 1710 I. 342 Some basely die, and some more basely yield. 1872 Yeats Growth Comm. 122 The King of Portugal basely betrayed Colombus. |
† 5. At small value or esteem, meanly; cheaply.
| 1584 D. Powel Lloyd's Cambria 210 Sonnes were not baselie esteemd. 1620 Venner Via Recta iii. 52 Them that desire to look big, and to liue basely. 1651 Wittie tr. Primrose's Pop. Err. iv. 197 Those of Galens method..they basely account of, and contemne. |