adv.; for forms cf. ABUNDANCE. [f. prec. + -LY2.] Overflowingly, exceedingly, enough and to spare; hence, in large measure, plentifully, copiously, amply, sufficiently for all purposes. (Formerly compared abundantlier, abundantliest.)
1382. Wyclif, Tob. iv. 9. If myche were to thee, abundauntli ȝif [1388 ȝyue thou plenteuousli].
c. 1460. Fortescue, Abs. & Lim. Mon. (1714), 31. It is verey necessary … that the Kyng have aboundantly, wherewith his astate may be honorably kepte.
1533. Elyot, Castel of Helth (1541), 34. Mylke taken to purge melancoly wold be drunke in the morning abundantly.
1603. Eng. Mourning Garment, in Harl. Misc. (Malh.), II. 497. Her table was the abundantliest furnished of any princes in the world.
1611. Bible, Gen. ix. 7. Be ye fruitfull, and multiply, bring foorth aboundantly in the earth.
1786. Burke, Art. agst. W. Hastings, Wks. 1842, II. 131. The evil designs of the said Hyder Beg were abundantly known.
1817. Jas. Mill, Brit. India, III. V. iv. 432. They began now to feel their situation abundantly uneasy.
1880. Geikie, Phys. Geog., ii. 8. 54. The vapour which rises so abundantly from sea and land into the atmosphere diffuses itself through the air.
