[f. STEWARD sb. + -LY1.]
† 1. Pertaining to or administered by a steward; of the nature of a stewardship. Obs.
1642. Bridge, Wound. Consc. Cured, iv. 26. If abused that he do not perform his Stewardly trust as hee should, the people … are to looke to it.
1643. J. Cotton, Doctr. Ch. (1644), 3. The Government of his Kingdome is not Lordly, but Stewardly and Ministeriall.
a. 1683. Owen, Holy Spirit (1693), 256. They are sufficient of themselves for the Stewardly Dispensation of the Mysteries of the Gospel.
2. dial. Skilled in household management.
1746. Exmoor Courtship, 569. Tha stewardlest vittest Wanch that comath on tha’ Stones o’ Moulton.
c. 1750. Mrs. Palmer’s Devon. Dial., i. (1839), 11. A notable, thorough-paced stewardly body.
1874. Miss S. P. Fox, Kingsbridge, 267 (E.D.D.). A good stewardly wife.
