adv. [f. as prec. + -LY2.]
1. In a contemptible manner; in a manner deserving contempt; despicably.
1581. Sidney, Apol. Poetrie (Arb.), 45. Nothing can more open his eyes, then to see his owne actions contemptibly set forth.
1667. Milton, P. L., VIII. 374. They also know, And reason not contemptibly.
a. 1843. Foster, in Life & Corr. (1846), I. 215. A contemptibly little being.
1881. Seeley, in Macm. Mag., XLV. 45. Looked at so, recent history might well appear quite contemptibly easy.
† 2. With contempt; contemptuously. Obs.
c. 1575. Fulke, Confut. Doctr. Purgatory (1577), 25. Dare you terme it contemptibly a couch for delicate persons ease?
1714. Swift, Pres. State Affairs, Wks. 1755, II. I. 215. He was treated contemptibly enough by the young princes of France.
1796. Bp. Watson, Apol. Bible, 191. You cannot think more contemptibly of these gentry.
1827. Hallam, Const. Hist. (1842), I. 293. The French ambassadors … thought most temptibly of the king.
