adv. [f. prec. adj. + -LY2.]
1. To an equivalent amount, in an equivalent degree.
a. 1528. Skelton, How Dk. Albany, &c. 403. His grace to magnify and laude equivalently.
1786. T. Jefferson, Writ. (1859), I. 598. He must lessen equivalently his consumption of some other European articles in order to pay for his coffee and sugar.
1842. Grove, Corr. Phys. Forces (ed. 6), 171. Each force is … equivalently convertible into each other.
2. As an equivalent term, or in equivalent terms, with equivalent force or signification.
1545. Udall, Erasm. Par. Luke (1548), Pref. 5 b. Whose full importyng cannot with one mere Englishe worde equiualently be interpreted.
1631. J. Burges, Answ. Rejoined, 201. The termes … are not vsed disiunctiuely but equiualently.
1805. H. Tooke, Purley (1840), 265. Certain is was used in the same manner equivalently to certes.
† 3. Virtually, in effect. (In 17th c. often opposed to expressly, formally.) Obs.
1644. Hunton, Vind. Treat. Monarchy, iv. 30. When the promise or Oath … amounts either expressely or equivalently to a relaxation of the bond of subjection.
1648. J. Goodwin, Right & Might, 37. Either formally, or equivalently the same.
1652. L. S., People’s Liberty, viii. 14. The major part of the suffrages is equivalently the whole number.
1655. Fuller, Ch. Hist., Index, Athelwolphus Monarch of the Saxons maketh (equivalently) a Parliament act for the paying of Tithes.
a. 1677. Barrow, Wks. (1687), I. 285. We seldom, in kind or equivalently, are our selves clear of that which we charge upon others.
1689. Treat. Monarchy, II. i. 37. By the Grant of the former Laws … he did equivalently put himself into the State of Legal Monarchs.
