adv. [f. FORMER a. + -LY2.]
† 1. Before another or something else; first, beforehand. Obs.
1596. Spenser, F. Q., VI. i. 38.
| But Calidore, that was more quicke of sight, | |
| And nimbler handed, then his enemie, | |
| Preuented him before his stroke could light, | |
| And on the helmet smote him formerlie, | |
| That made him stoupe to ground with meeke humilitie. |
c. 1645. Howell, Lett. (1655), IV. xi. 29. If I had not formerly read the Barons Wars in England, I had more admir’d that of the Ligners in France.
2. In former days, at some past time.
1599. Hakluyt, Voy., II. 181. Requiring for the visiting no more then formerly they were accustomed to pay at their first comming.
1607. Shaks., Cor., IV. i. 53.
| While I remaine aboue the ground, you shall | |
| Heare from me still, and neuer of me ought | |
| But what is like me formerly. |
1674. Martinière, trans. Voy. N. Countries, 58. After supper we went to our lodging, which as formerly was upon Bear-skin spread upon the floor, where having display’d our selves, we fell asleep, and pass’d the night in as much ease and security as any in our lives.
1709. Steele & Addison, Tatler, No. 114, 29 Dec., ¶ 1. I had formerly conversed with him at this House.
1856. Sir B. Brodie, Psychol. Inq., I. i. 5. We were sensible that we were not what we had been formerly.
1857. Buckle, Civiliz., I. xi. 626. The superstitious reverence with which they [kings] were formerly regarded is extinct, and at the present day we are no longer awed by that divinity with which their persons were once supposed to be hedged.
† 3. A little time before, just now. Obs.
1590. Spenser, F. Q., II. xii. 67.
| And her faire lockes, which formerly were bownd | |
| Vp in one knot, she low adowne did lose. |
1596. Shaks., Merch. V., IV. i. 361.
| Thou hast incur’d | |
| The danger formerly by me rehearst. |
1665. Manley, Grotius’ Low C. Warres, 681. They who had formerly gone out of the Battel, to be refreshed and comforted, came in again, and began the Fight anew.
1697. J. Potter, Antiq. Greece, IV. iv. (1715), 194. At the funerals of soldiers, their fellow-soldiers attended with their spears pointed towards the ground, and the uppermost part of their bucklers turned downwards, as has been formerly observed.
1766. Goldsm., Vic. W., xxxii. Those who rose to rescue me, and whom I formerly rebuked with such sharpness.
