adv. [-LY2.] In a languishing manner. Now chiefly, in a manner expressive of sentimental tenderness.
1579. Twyne, Phisicke agst. Fort., II. xlix. 225 a. Sorowe. My chylde is dead of a fal from an hygh. Reason. Vnto them that dye languishingly, death often times seemeth the sharper.
a. 1586. Sidney, Arcadia, III. (1622), 291. Howsoeuer the dulnesse of Melancholy would haue languishingly yeelded therunto.
1657. R. Mossom, in Spurgeon, Treas. Dav., Ps. xxx. 7. The soul becomes languishingly afflicted, even with all variety of disquietments.
1668. Dryden, All for Love, II. i. (1678), 35. She … cast a look so languishingly sweet, As if, secure of all beholders hearts, Neglecting she could take ’em.
1733. Cheyne, Eng. Malady, I. xi. § 13 (1734), 107. The Digestions and Secretions must be weaker and more languishingly perform’d than they ought to be.
1761. J. Hawkesworth, Edgar & Emmeline, II. i. 21. Edgar, being fir’d with the charms of Emmeline, first gaz’d languishingly upon her.
1813. Byron, Giaour, xviii. Her eye’s dark charm ’twere vain to tell, But gaze on that of the Gazelle, It will assist thy fancy well; As large, as languishingly dark.
1850. Kingsley, Alt. Locke, xxxvi. (1879), 380. Their long arms and golden tresses waved languishingly downward in the breeze.
1856. Chamb. Jrnl., V. 157. A fat, fair … creature, shutting one eye languishingly.
