adv. [f. ALTERNATE a. + -LY2.]
1. In alternate order; one after the other by turns, by alternation, time about.
1552. Huloet, Alternatelye, or by turne. Subalternatim.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., 96. Parallels or like relations alternately releeve each other.
1661. Grand Debate, 63. Singing Psalmes alternately.
1781. Gibbon, Decl. & F., II. xliii. 617. The sea alternately advanced and retreated.
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., I. 620. Lumley and Portman had alternately watched the Duke.
1830. Geikie, Phys. Geog., iii. xviii. 154. The current runs alternately east and west.
2. By taking the alternate terms; by permutation.
1695. Alingham, Geom. Epit., 18. If A:B::C:D, then alternately compar’d it will be as A:C::B:D.
3. In alternate positions, on each side in turn. Alternately-pinnate: see ALTERNATE a. 9.
1751. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Alternate, There are also two external angles, alternately opposite to the internal one.
1821. S. Gray, Nat. Arr., I. 72. Alternately disposed … Leaflets alternate, instead of being opposite and in pairs.
