adv. [f. prec. + -LY2.] In a vexatious manner; so as to cause annoyance or irritation.
1653. R. Sanders, Physiogn., 140. Thy soul is vexatiously perturbated.
1709. Swift & Addison, Tatler, No. 43, ¶ 2. The rugged Cares and Disturbance that Publick Affairs brings with it, which does so vexatiously affect the Heads of other great Men.
1748. Anson’s Voy., II. ix. 227. We were most strangely and vexatiously disappointed, by finding that the light … was only a fire on the shore.
1788. Mme. D’Arblay, Diary, 2 Aug. Very vexatiously, however, my message arrived … late.
1847. Sarah Austin, Ranke’s Hist. Ref., III. 531. At the same time difficulties were vexatiously thrown in the way of the protestant procurator.
1879. S. C. Bartlett, Egypt to Pal., xi. 242. We paused here and interrogated our Arabs, but, vexatiously enough, we could extract from them no such tradition.
b. spec. in Law. (See VEXATIOUS a. 1 c.)
1880. Muirhead, Gaius, IV. § 172. The praetor allows an oath to be exacted from him ‘that he is not vexatiously denying his liability.’
1883. Law Times, 20 Oct., 412/1. The bankrupt … must not have vexatiously defended any action.
