cleanly

adverb

No English definition recorded for this entry.

No English definition recorded for this entry.

Pronunciation: /ˈklɛnli/ / /ˈkliːnli/

Etymology: From Middle English clenly, clenliche, clanly, from Old English clǣnlīċ (“cleanly, pure, excellent”), equivalent to clean + -ly.

Being habitually clean, practising good hygiene.
“I'l now lead you to an honeſt Ale-houſe, where we ſhall find a cleanly room, Lavender in the windowes, and twenty Ballads ſtuck about the wall; […]”
“[H]is lov'd partner boaſtful of her hoard, Diſplays the cleanly platter on the board; […]”
Cleansing; fitted to remove moisture; dirt, etc.
“In our Fantaſtic Climes the Fair / With cleanly Powder dry their Hair: […]”
Adroit; dexterous; artful.
“Yet at the laſt (ſo well he him applyde,) / Through his fine handling, and cleanly play, / He all thoſe royall ſignes had ſtolne away, / And with the Foxes helpe them borne aſide, / Into a ſecret corner vneſpide.”

Etymology: From Middle English clenly, clenli, clenliche, from Old English clǣnlīċe (“cleanly”), equivalent to clean + -ly.

In a clean way, neatly.
“He was very cleanly dressed, in a blue coat, striped waistcoat, and nankeen trowsers; […]”
Not causing a mess or unnecessary damage.
“We agreed to break off our relationship cleanly.”
“Fortunately, the bullet passed cleanly through your shoulder.”
Innocently; without stain.
“If I do growe great, ile growe leſſe, for ile purge and leaue Sacke, and liue cleanlie as a noble man ſhould do.”
Adroitly; dexterously
“The boy will do well certain : give him grace To have a quick hand and convey things cleanly”