ˈruthfully, adv. Now rare.
[-ly2.]
1. In a pitiable or lamentable fashion; piteously, dolefully, dismally, ruefully.
| a 1225 St. Marher. 4 Leuestu ant luuest him the reowðfulliche deide ant dreorliche on rode? c 1400 Arth. & Merl. 1067 (Kölbing), Reouþfully heo gan to grete. 1483 Caxton Gold. Leg. 397/4 Thenne Judas thanked sannt brandon soo ruthefully that it was pyte to see. 1533 Bellenden Livy iii. xii. (S.T.S.) I. 296 The small pepill, opprest with mony harmes, beheld reuthfully þe visage of þe faderis. 1579 Spenser Sheph. Cal. Aug. 175 Helpe me..my deadly cryes Most ruthfully to tune. 1611 Cotgr., Miserablement,..ruthfully, distressefully. 1661 R. L'Estrange Interest Mistaken 118 The Sisters Groan so ruthfully, you'd swear Five hundred Women were in Labour. 1936 ‘M. Innes’ Death at President's Lodging xv. 246 No change, he reflected ruthfully a moment later, was to be got from Empson that way. |
2. Compassionately. Obs.
| 1642 Howell For. Trav. 83 He may ruthfully observe how that Countrey.. is now ore whelm'd with barbarisme and ignorance. 1668 Hopkins Serm. (1685) 62 All things will stare ruthfully upon thee, and..confess their impotency to rescue thee from the gripe of death. |