For forms see CLERK sb. [f. CLERK + -LY1. (The adv. is in the Promp. Parv. and the adj. ought to occur as early.)]
1. Pertaining to the clergy, clerical.
1565. Bp. Bentham, in Strype, Ann. Ref., I. xlv. 500. To behave themselves in their ministry, soberly and reverently, in all points of clerkly office.
1592. trans. Junius on Rev. xiii. 17. Consecration of the Clearkely tonsure.
1848. J. C. Hare, Lett. Dean of Chichester, 2. [Not] at all becoming our clerkly character.
1861. Beresf. Hope, Eng. Cathedr. 19th C., 173. The corporate office of the clerkly corporation.
2. Scholarly, book-learned. arch.
a. 1528. Skelton, Col. Cloute, 724. Some other man That clerkely is, and can Well Scrypture expounde.
1551. T. Wilson, Logike, 22 b. It is the clarkliest part of all … to frame an argument aptly.
1598. Shaks., Merry W., IV. v. 58. Thou art clearkly: thou art clearkly (Sir Iohn).
1794. Mathias, Purs. Lit. (1798), 133. I’ll read the bill, In Hatsell’s clerkly tone … And Jekyll’s comment too.
1835. Lytton, Rienzi, IX. v. Thou … art book-learned,—a clerkly soldier.
3. Of or pertaining to a fair writer; skilled in penmanship.
1808. Scott, Marm., VI. xv. When the king praised his clerkly skill.
1870. Morris, Earthly Par., I. I. 201. These words writ with clerkly skill.
1879. Sunday School Chron., 26 Dec. Perhaps the clerkly Matthew had made notes.
4. Of or belonging to an office clerk.
a. 1845. Hood, Lit. Remin., 2. I sat upon a lofty stool … and with a clerkly pen Began each morning.
1873. Browning, Red Cott. Nt.-cap, 1414. A poor clerkly drudge at desk All day.
1882. Mrs. B. M. Croker, Proper Pride, I. iv. 70. The certificate was in a round clerkly hand.
