steadfastly, adv.
(ˈstɛdfɑːstlɪ, -fæst-, -fəst-)
[f. steadfast a. + -ly2.]
1. In physical sense: Steadily, firmly, so as not to be shaken or displaced. rare.
| a 1300 Cursor M. 6430 Vr held up, and als aaron, His handes..Vnder aiþer hand was an þat held þam stedfastli als stan. 1635 Heywood Hierarchy 177 To whom his father [Neptune] gaue that vertue, to walk as stedfastly vpon the sea, as the land. 1817 Shelley Marianne's Dream vii, Each mighty rock Stood on its basis steadfastly. |
† 2. With reference to a command or bequest: Securely, bindingly. Obs.
| a 1200 Charter of Athelstan A.D. 939 in Kemble Cod. Dipl. V. 236 And ich stedeuastliche hote and bebeode in Gode almiᵹties heᵹe name..ðæt [etc.]. 1388 Wyclif 1 Sam. xxx. 25 marg. This was ordeyened stidefastliere bi Dauyth..that it schulde be kept aftirward outirly. c 1450 Godstow Reg. 343 This yifte of hym I-made stedfastly he had, and with his seale impressed, confermed. |
3. Constantly, persistently; with firm resolve, fidelity, belief, etc.
| a 1225 Ancren R. 162 Beo stille, & wune studeuestliche i sume stude, ut of monne sihðe. c 1250 Kent. Serm. in O.E. Misc. 28 Be-leue we stede-fast-liche þet he is fader and sune and holy gost. 1258 Proclam. Hen. III (Ellis) 19 Þæt heo stedefæstliche healden and swerien to healden and to werien þo isetnesses þæt beon imakede. 1303 R. Brunne Handl. Synne 313 Stedfastlych þey preyd a-none Tyl þat woke were alle gone. c 1386 Chaucer Clerk's T. 1038 Youre woful mooder wende stedfastly That crueel houndes or som foul vermyne Hadde eten yow. c 1450 Merlin i. 8 Of hem that in hym stadfastly beleve. 1568 Grafton Chron. II. 706 She stedfastlye blamed and accused her painefull labor. 1631 Gouge God's Arrows iii. §80. 333 We are wont to believe more stedfastly that which is confirmed by an oath. 1712 Steele Spect. No. 423 ¶2 You will be very steadfastly my Rival. 1867 Ruskin Time & Tide iii. §12 That is what I would steadfastly say again. 1877 C. Geikie Christ lvii. (1879) 691 They steadfastly refused to accept him. |
4. With steadfast gaze.
| 13.. K. Alis. 219 (Laud MS.) In hir he loked stedfastlyk. a 1450 Knt. de la Tour Landry (1868) 58 Therfor, doughtres, be ware of youre lokes, whereon ye sette hem stedfastly. 1592 Shakes. Ven. & Ad. 1063 Vpon his hurt she lookes so stedfastly, That her sight dazling, makes the wound seem three. 1648 Boyle Seraph. Love xii. (1700) 64 They that gaze steadfastliest on the noondays Sun can least of all discern what it is. 1871 Ainsworth Tower Hill i. xv, He gazed at her steadfastly for a moment, bowed, and retired. |