adv. [f. prec. + -LY2.] After the manner of the Laconians or Spartans, esp. in brevity of speech.

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1631.  Weever, Anc. Funeral Mon., 572. He … writ thus to the Abbot Laconically … Who answered as briefly.

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1631.  Brathwait, Eng. Gentlew. (1641), 298. Farre bee it from me to be so … Laconically severe.

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1742.  Pope, Lett. to Warburton, 28 Dec. Wks. 1751, IX. 254. I write, you know, very laconically.

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1823.  Lingard, Hist. Eng., VI. 32. The king laconically replied, that he should wait for the English … till Friday.

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1851.  Alford, in Life (1873), 206. The ‘Christian Remembrancer’ … has taken notice of my answer very laconically.

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1873.  G. C. Davies, Mount. & Mere, xiv. 109. ‘Donkeys’ he answered laconically.

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