adv. [f. as prec. + -LY2.] In a flexible manner, with flexibility.
1607. Topsell, Four-f. Beasts (1658), 149. Horns above a cubit long, which are moveable upon his head at his own pleasure like ears; now standing one way, and anon moving another way, as he needeth in fighting with other Beasts, for they stand not stiffe, but bend flexibly. Ibid. (1658), Serpents, 705. Their bodies are leaner, flexibly turning to every side, according to the necessity of motion.
1861. Geo. Eliot, Silas Marner, 37. Long ago the heap of coins had become too large for the iron pot to hold them, and he had made for them two thick leather bags, which wasted no room in their resting-place, but lent themselves flexibly to every corner.
1871. R. Ellis, Catullus, lxiv. 182.
| Nay, but a loyal lover, a hand pledg’d surely, shall ease me. | |
| Surely, for o’er wide water his oars move flexibly fleeting. |
