adv. [f. as prec. + -LY2.] In an especial manner; principally, chiefly. Also in phr. † in especially (see also INESPECIALLY). In later use also with adjs.: In an especial degree.
a. 1400[?]. Chester Pl. (1843), I. 105. Sybbell, I praye thee especiallye [etc.].
1509. Hawes, Past. Pleas., V. iii. Evander … dyd well abounde In many vertues, especially in lernyng.
1557. North, trans. Gueuara’s Diall Pr., 92 a/1. The women, & in especially greate ladies, know not [etc.].
1581. Marbeck, Bk. of Notes, 685. And then the Priest prayed in generall for all estates and degrees, and for increase of grace, and in especially if neede required.
1640. in Hamilton Papers (Camden Soc.), App. 259. Hereof he was espetially advertised by the Hammiltons.
1677. Johnson, in Ray’s Corr. (1847), 127. Great shoals of salmon … often take in at the mouths of our rivers, especially if the north bar be open.
1747. Wesley, Prim. Physick (1762), 30. It sometimes cures an Ague especially in Children.
1834. Newman, Par. Serm. (1837), I. IV. 61. Unless they are especially watchful.
1863. Lyell, Antiq. Man, 9. Around the borders of the bogs … lie trunks of trees, especially of the Scotch fir.
1875. Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), IV. 130. Two points in his criticism are especially deserving of notice.
