[f. as prec. + -LY2.]
1. In a scholarly way, learnedly. arch.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 81. Clerkely, clericaliter.
c. 1450. Pol. Poems (1859), II. 226. Cast in thy conciens clerkly to knowe.
1493. Festivall (W. de W., 1515), 86 b. Prevynge clerkely that he [Christ] was both god and man.
1593. Shaks., 2 Hen. VI., III. i. 179. With ignominious words, though Clarkely coucht.
1641. Smectymnuus, Vind. Answ., § 2. 19. How is it Clerkly confuted?
1866. Kingsley, Herew., I. vi. 177. You speak so courtly and clerkly.
† b. Skilfully, cleverly, artfully. Obs.
1594. Plat, Jewell-ho., III. Chem. Conclus., 15. Not any one of them hath so clarkly wrought vpon this simple as … to hide the taste.
1627. Drayton, Agincourt, 2. They … must prouide, One, this great Engine, Clearkly that could guide.
2. In the manner of a fair writer or penman.
1865. Spectator, 21 Jan., 70/1. These resolutions, very handsomely and clerkly endorsed upon fine paper.
