adv. [f. BROKEN + -LY2.]

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  1.  In a broken manner; with frequent breaks or interruptions in the continuity or quality; abruptly, spasmodically, imperfectly, jerkily.

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1591.  Percivall, Sp. Dict., Rompidamente, brokenly, abruptè.

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1599.  Shaks., Hen. V., V. ii. 106. O faire Katherine, if you will loue me soundly with your French heart, I will be glad to heare you confesse it brokenly with your English Tongue.

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1656.  Jeanes, Mixt. Schol. Div., 86. These many termes express it but weakly, and brokenly.

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1664–5.  Pepys, Diary (1879), III. 110. And so to sleep, very brokenly, all night long.

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1695.  Lond. Gaz., No. 3050/4. William Peter, a Negro Man … speaks brokenly, left his Master.

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1839.  Bailey, Festus, xx. (1848), 263. Even as the sun Shows brokenly on wavy waters.

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1864.  Tennyson, En. Ard., 648. And there the tale he utter’d brokenly, Scarce credited at first.

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  2.  In a broken condition or state.

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1816.  Byron, Ch. Har., III. xxxii. The heart will break, yet brokenly live on.

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1850.  Mrs. Browning, Poems, II. 27. He flapped his heavy wing all brokenly and weak.

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1883.  Pall Mall Gaz., 6 Sept., 2/1. While some brokenly live on desolate and despairing.

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