adv. [f. as prec. + -LY2.] In a formidable manner.
1685. Dryden, Thren. August., 512.
| Behold ev’n the remoter shores, | |
| A conquering navy proudly spread; | |
| The British cannon formidably roars, | |
| While starting from his oozy bed, | |
| The asserted ocean rears his reverend head. |
1715–20. Pope, Iliad, XI. 54.
| Last o’er his Brows his fourfold Helm he plac’d, | |
| With nodding Horse-hair formidably grac’d. |
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., IV. 237. She was so formidably manned that all attempts to board her failed.
1858. Froude, Hist. Eng., III. xiv. 254. The Pope might succeed, and most likely would succeed at last, in reconciling France and Spain; and experienced proved that England lay formidably open to attack.
