a. rare. Also 5–6 sonnely. [f. SON sb. Cf. MDu. soon-, zoonlijc, MLG. sonelik, MHG. sunlîch (G. sohn-, söhnlich).] Sonlike, filial.

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c. 1450.  Myrr. Our Ladye, 247. That … sonne of god hauynge sonnely compassyon to hys mother.

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1579.  B. Googe, trans. Mendoza’s Prov., 64 b. The one is called a seruile feare, the other a sonnely feare…. The sonnely feare, is a meddlie of feare and loue together.

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1633.  W. Struther, True Happines, 132. The sonnes of God, in whom this sonly love burneth.

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1903.  in Life Bp. Westcott, I. Pref. p. x. It is an offering … of real sonly devotion.

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