adv. [f. prec. + -LY2.] In a fixed manner; firmly, securely, steadfastly; attentively, earnestly; intently, steadily.
1598. Sylvester, Du Bartas, II. i. IV. Handy-crafts, 642.
| Feeds on sweet Æther, cleaves the starry Sphears, | |
| And on Gods face his eyes he fixtly bears. |
1654. Earl Orrery, Parthen. (1676), 217. He never mention’d any thing of his Passion, but would only look fix’dly upon her, fold his Arms, and groan, and say he was not yet Conqueror.
1661. Marvell, Corr., xxix. Wks. 1872–5, II. 72. His Majesty is most fixedly honorable and true to that busines as in all things els, so that by God’s blessing I hope we shall arrive at an happy period in it.
1690. Locke, Hum. Und., III. vi. § 22. If we pretend, that the distinction of Species or Sorts is fixedly established by the real Frame, and secret Constitutions of things.
1702. C. Mather, Magnalia Christi Americana (1853), II. 167. It was his manner in the morning to meditate very seriously and fixedly upon some truth, or some text, for a good part of an hour together.
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., II. 230. The old man looked fixedly at the King, burst into tears, and made answer.
1865. Trollope, Belton Est., xxviii. 335. But the difficulty of the circumstances in which he was placed was so great, that it was almost impossible for him to make up his mind fixedly to any purpose in reference to Clara.
