adv. Obs. Forms: 4 cherli, 4–5 cherlich(e, 5 cheerliche, cherly, cherely. [f. CHERE a. + -LY2; but confused with CHARILY.]
1. Lovingly, affectionately; carefully, watchfully.
c. 1350. Will. Palerne, 62. Þe cherl ful cherli þat child tok in his armes & kest hit.
1395. Purvey, Remonstr. (1851), 24. A wyf kepith cherli the ryng of her weddinge for love of her husbonde.
1399. Langl., Rich. Redeles, III. 203. And cherliche cheriche hem, as cheff in þe halle.
c. 1430. Pilgrimage of Lyf of Manhode (1869), 36. This releef j wole keepe streitliche and cheerliche.
a. 1450. Knt. de la Tour (1868), 38. My good arraye … that y helde so cherely that y wolde not were it in the … sondayes in the worshipe of God.
2. ? Sumptuously.
c. 1394. P. Pl. Crede, 582. And chereliche as a cheueteyne his chambre to holden Wiþ chymene and chapell.
