adv. Obs. [ME. blethli, in form a deriv. of BLETHE, but apparently associated, in later use at least, with BLITHE.] a. Gently, kindly, graciously, benevolently. b. Blithely, gladly, fain.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 11958. Iesus wel blethli wald þai warn.
c. 1300. Vox & Wolf, 171, in E. P. P. (1864), 63. Tho he herde speken of mete, He wolde bletheliche ben thare.
a. 1340. Richard Rolle of Hampole, Prick of Conscience, 184. Many has lykyng trofels to here, And vanites wille blethly lere.
c. 1380. Wyclif, Serm., Sel. Wks. I. 107. Jesus bleþeli dide mercy whan he was clepid David sone.
c. 1430. How Wif taught D., 11, in E. P. P. (1864), 180. Blethely ȝeue thi tythys … The pore men at thi dore … Ȝeue hem blethely of thi good.
