Basely

adv. [f. BASE a. + -LY².]

  † 1.  In a low position, low down. Obs.

c. 1500.  Partenay, 1216. Sauyng þat on ey had he more basly Then þat other.

  † 2.  In a low tone, softly, quietly. Obs.

1562.  J. Heywood, Prov. & Epigr. (1867), 216. Talke thou basely, talke thou boldely.

1577.  Dee, Relat. Spir., I. (1659), 365. I hear … a whistling very basely.

  3.  In humble rank of life; illegitimately. ? Obs.

1583.  Stanyhurst, Æneis, II. (Arb.), 61. Baselye Neoptolemus was borne.

1631.  Gouge, God’s Arrows, III. ii. 185. Commonly such as are basely borne … are of ill disposition.

  4.  With contemptible cowardice, treachery or meanness; dishonorably, disingenuously.

c. 1550[?].  Robin Hood (Ritson), ix. 92. Beshrew thy heart, said Little John, Thou basely dost begin.

1656.  Cowley, Davideis, II. Wks. 1710, I. 342. Some basely die, and some more basely yield.

1872.  Yeats, Growth Comm., 122. The King of Portugal basely betrayed Colombus.

  † 5.  At small value or esteem, meanly; cheaply.

1584.  Powel, Lloyd’s Cambria, 210. Sonnes were not baselie esteemd.

1620.  Venner, Via Recta, iii. 52. Them that desire to look big, and to liue basely.

1651.  Wittie, trans. Primrose’s Pop. Err., IV. 197. Those of Galens method … they basely account of, and contemne.