adv. [f. prec. adj. + -LY2.] In a competent manner (see the adj.): † appropriately, suitably; sufficiently, adequately; † moderately, fairly, ‘pretty’; † comfortably (in circumstances); with legal competence.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 89. Conably or competently, competenter.
1485. Caxton, Chas. Gt., 244. Xxx poure men be fedde and clothed competently.
1540–1. Elyot, Image Gov., 15. He dranke wyne not scarcely, nor to muche, but competently.
1611. Coryat, Crudities, 363. They are competently stored with hemp.
1651. Fuller, Abel Rediv., Luther (1867), I. 58. He had his health competently well, but that sometimes he was troubled with the headache.
1660. Jer. Taylor, Duct. Dubit., I. ii. iii. § 29. She is not competently instructed.
1779–81. Johnson, L. P., Butler. Wood mentions him as competently wealthy.
1837–9. Hallam, Hist. Lit., III. ii. § 27, note. That the reason itself shall be competently enlightened.
1884. Ld. Selborne in Law Times Rep., 15 March, 60/2. Whether on that subject a bye-law might or might not have been competently made.
