adv. For forms see prec. [f. prec. + -LY2.] In a courteous manner; with courtesy; with obliging politeness or civility; † graciously; kindly.
c. 1290. S. Eng. Leg., I. 397/140. And cortesliche serueþe hom.
1340. Ayenb., 160. Jesu crist … zayþ wel cortaysliche.
1382. Wyclif, Acts xxvii. 3. Iulius tretynge manly, or kurteysli Poule.
c. 1475. Rauf Coilȝear, 423. Courtesly to the Knicht kneillit the Coilȝear.
c. 1489. Caxton, Sonnes of Aymon, iii. 75. He salued theym curtoysly.
1568. Sir F. Knollys, in Ellis, Orig. Lett., I. 193, II. 245. Hyr Grace answerd me very curtysely.
1615. G. Sandys, Trav., 7. Diuers of their gallies putting into the hauen were curteously entertained.
1795. Southey, Joan of Arc, III. 277. By the gentle Queen With cordial affability received: By Agnes courteously.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., IV. 388. It was … intimated to him, kindly and courteously, but seriously.
† b. Handsomely, deftly. Obs.
c. 1530. Ld. Berners, Arth. Lyt. Bryt. (1814), 136. He strake the seconde so curteisly, that he ouerthrewe both horse and man.
