† ˈeathly, a. and adv. Obs.
Forms: see eath.
[f. eath a. + -ly.]
A. adj.
1. Easy, not difficult.
| c 1000 Ags. Gosp. Matt. xix. 26 Ealle þing synt mid Gode eaðelice [c 1160 Hatton æðelice]. c 1160 Hatton Gosp. Matt. xix. 24 æþelicor beoð þam olfende to ganne þurh nædle eaȝe. c 1175 Lamb. Hom. 135 Of ane eðeliche dede. |
2. Inconsiderable, slight, trifling. Often in antithesis to eche (= eternal): Of short duration.
| c 890 K. ælfred Bæda ii. v. (Bosw.) Gif ðu ne wilt us ᵹeþafian in swa æðelicum þingo. c 1176 Cott. Hom. 221 Mid þare aeðelice hyrsumnesse þu ȝearnest hefen rices merhðe. a 1225 Ancr. R. 282 On eðelich stiche, oðer on eðelich eche makeð uorte understonden hwu lutel wurð is prude. |
3. a. Of a person: Low in station; mean in character. b. Of a thing: Of small value.
| c 1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 35 Ne was þe engel isend ne to kinge..ac to loȝe and eðeliche men alse heordes buð. a 1300 Floriz & Bl. 274 Abute þe orchard is a wal; Þe eþelikeste ston is cristal. |
B. adv. Easily, without difficulty.
| c 1000 Ags. Gosp. Luke xviii. 25 Eaðelicor mæᵹ se olfend gan þurh are nædle eaᵹe. c 1200 Ormin 12532 Soþ Godd..mihhte standenn æþeliȝ ȝæn himm. 1513–75 Diurn. Occurr. (1833) 249 His lyik eithlie culd not heirtofoir be fundin. 1737 Ramsay Scot. Prov. Ded., You may eithly make yoursells master of the hale ware. 1813 Hogg Queen's Wake 73 The rein deir dun can eithly run, Quhan the houndis and the hornis pursue. 1872 Blackie Lays Highl. 71 This only lore my beggar wit Could eathly understand. |
b. At an easy price, cheaply.
| c 1225 Ancr. R. 290 Ne sule þu neuer so eðeliche..his deorewurðe spuse. |