adv. Obs. In 4 encrely, enkerly, enkrely, ynkirly, -urly, 5–6 inkirly. [Origin uncertain; possibly a. ON. *einkarliga (cf. mid.Da. enkorlig adj. especial) f. einkar- prefix; specially, very (= einkan- whence einkanliga especially). But this is not quite satisfactory with regard to the sense. Cf. Sc. inkirt ‘anxious’ (Jam.).] Earnestly, heartily, fervently.
1375. Barbour, Bruce, I. 301. For he thocht ay encrely To do his deid awysily. Ibid., VII. 183. The kyng … slepit nocht full ynkurly. Ibid., X. 534. He has seyn The Erll sa ynkirly hym set Sum sutelte or [wile] to get.
c. 1375. Sc. Leg. Saints, Andreas, 678. For þat I has luffit þe lange enkrely.
a. 1400[?]. Morte Arth., 507. Thene the emperour was egree, and enkerly fraynes Þe answere of Arthure.
1513. Douglas, Æneis, VI. i. 8. The kyng … inkirly from his hart Maid this orisone.
