† ˈgoodlihead Obs.
[f. goodly a. + -head.]
1. Goodly appearance; comeliness, beauty.
| c 1374 Chaucer Troylus iii. 1681 (1730) Þe goodliheed or beaute which þat kynd In eny other lady had y-sette. 1423 Jas. I. Kingis Q. xlix, To suich delyte It was to see hir ȝouth In gudelihede. 1523 Skelton Garl. Laurel 907 With margerain ientyll, The flowre of goodlyhede. 1590 Spenser F.Q. iii. ii. 38 Pleased with that seeming goodly-hed, Unwares the hidden hooke with baite I swallowed. 1746 W. Thompson Hymn to May [Imitation of Spenser] xvii. 6 So far in virtue and in goodlihead, Above all other nymphs Ianthe bears the meed. 1867 Morris Jason ix. 4 O love, turn round, and note the goodlihead My father's palace shows beneath the stars. |
2. Goodly character; excellence, goodness.
| 1390 Gower Conf. II. 22 In her is no violence But goodly hede and innocence Withouten spot of any blame. c 1440 Generydes 6340 In grete pleasure and in all goodlyhede. 1503 Hawes Examp. Virt. v. 5 Dame prudence..Imposyble it is to shewe her goodelyhed. |
3. The personality of one who is goodly.
| 1579 Spenser Sheph. Cal. Feb. 184 Craving your goodly⁓head to asswage The ranckorous rigour of his might. 1590 ― F.Q. ii. iii. 33 Mote thy goodlyhed forgive it mee. |