adv. [f. BACKWARD a. + -LY2.]

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  1.  In a backward direction.

2

1552.  Huloet, Bowed backwardlye, recuruue.

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  † 2.  Again, over again. Obs.

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1552.  Huloet, Backwardlye … rursum.

5

1557.  N. T. (Genev.), Gal. iv. 9. Whervnto … ye wil be in bondage backwardly.

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  † 3.  Perversely. Obs.

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a. 1586.  Answ. Cartwright, 35. How backewardely doeth he deale in this matter?

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1607.  Shaks., Timon, III. iii. 18. Does he thinke so backwardly of me now.

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  4.  Reluctantly, unwillingly, sluggishly.

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a. 1586.  Sidney, Arcadia, I. (1633), 88 (J.).

        Though they doe flie, yet backwardly doe glowe
With proud aspect, disdaining greater haste.

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1783.  Ainsworth, Lat. Dict. (Morell), Backwardly, Otiose, negligenter, remisse.

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1860.  Rawlinson, trans. Herodotus, VIII. lxxxv. IV. 330. A few only followed the advice of Themistocles, to fight backwardly.

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