adv. [f. prec. + -LY2.]
† a. In the manner of one under mystical religious delusion. Obs. b. In the manner of one full of enthusiasm; with a display of ardent or rapturous feeling.
a. 1691. Wood, Ath. Oxon., 391 (R.). He [John Oxenbridge], (as other Schismaticks did) returned, preached very enthusiastically in several places.
1696. C. Leslie, Snake in Grass (1697), 90. If they shou’d Enthusiastically Believe, or Hypocritically Pretend.
1722. De Foe, Plague (1754), 25–6. Some were so Enthusiastically bold, as to run about the Streets, with their Oral Predictions.
b. 1786. W. Gilpin, in Mrs. Delany’s Corr., Ser. II. III. 346. Plants, of which she is enthusiastically fond.
1848. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., I. 362. His scheme was enthusiastically applauded, and furiously attacked.
1876. Grant, Burgh Sch. Scotl., Pref. 5. Mr. Innes … always entered enthusiastically into any proposal calculated to elucidate the past history of his native country.
