adv. [f. prec. + -LY2.] In a collective manner or capacity; in a body, in the aggregate, as a whole.

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1597.  Hooker, Eccl. Pol., V. xlviii. (T.). Although we cannot be free from all sin collectively … yet distributively all great actual offences … may … be … avoided.

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1649.  Selden, Laws Eng., I. xvii. (1739), 34. Their power … was exercised either collectively, or apart and severally.

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1715.  M. Davies, Ath. Brit., I. 11. The Holy Scriptures, collectively, have been often bound in all those little forms.

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1881.  Jowett, Thucyd., I. 122. The sacrifice which they collectively made was individually repaid to them.

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  b.  Gram. In a collective sense; as a collective noun.

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1641.  Milton, Animadv. (1851), 228. Then must the name be collectively, and communicatively taken.

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1824.  L. Murray, Eng. Gram. (ed. 5), I. 254. The article a or an agrees with nouns in the singular number only, individually, or collectively.

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