adv. [f. prec. + -LY2.] In an elective manner; by choice or preference.

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1643.  T. Goodwin, Child of Light, 105. Humours in the body … he can electively work upon.

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1677.  Gale, Crt. Gentiles, II. IV. 137. Electively to espouse evil is the worst of evils.

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1684.  trans. Bonet’s Merc. Compit., XIV. 489/1. Some think we ought to abstain from Medicines that purge electively.

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1802.  Paley, Nat. Theol., xviii. (1819), 272. In the cabbage, not by chance, but studiously and electively, she lays her eggs.

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