adv. [f. prec. + -LY2.] In an apprehensive manner; with apprehension.

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  † 1.  By laying hold. Obs.

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1656.  Trapp, Exp. Rom. iii. 29. Men are said to be justified … apprehensively by faith.

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  2.  With anticipation, esp. of danger; with fear as to what may be coming.

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1753.  Richardson, Grandison (1810), VI. xxxii. 236. What think you … made me write so apprehensively?

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1828.  Southey, To A. Cunningham, Wks. III. 315. The face Composed and apprehensively intent Upon the necessary operation About to be perform’d.

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  † 3.  So as to be apprehended, intelligibly. Obs.

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1692.  Dryden, St. Euremont’s Ess., 14. The Quality considered in itself, to speak apprehensively, was very savage.

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