ˈquemely, adv. ? Obs.
Also 5 qwem-, 8 wheem-, whim-, 9 queem-.
[f. queme a. + -ly2. Cf. MSw. qvämelika.]
In a pleasing, agreeable, or becoming manner; neatly, gently, smoothly, etc.
| c 1380 Wyclif Serm. Sel. Wks. II. 361 No þing is more resonable þan to quemely serve God. c 1400 Destr. Troy 11783 The golde was all gotyn, & the grete sommes..qwemly to-gedur. c 1475 Rauf Coilȝear 684 The flure..couerit full clene, Cummand fra the Cornellis closand quemely. 1703 Thoresby Let. to Ray (E.D.S.), Wheemly, neatly. 1788 W. Marshall Yorksh. Gloss. (E.D.S.), Whimly, softly, silently, or with little noise. 1824 Mactaggart Gallovid. Encycl. s.v. Queem, ‘The gled glides queemly alang’; the kite glides smoothly along. |
So † ˈquemeness, pleasure, satisfaction. Obs. rare.
| c 900 tr. Bæda's Hist. i. xvi. [xxvii.] (1890) 82 Cwemnis uncysta. c 1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 55 Ne muge we noht singe þe blissfulle songes..gode to quemnesse. |