adv. [f. BENIGN + -LY2.]

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  1.  In a benign manner; kindly, graciously.

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c. 1380.  Wyclif, Wks. (1880), 44. Þe mynystris owe to resceyue hem benygnely and bi charite.

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1528.  More, Heresyes, III. Wks. 213/1. The gretest prelate in this realme … dismissed him very benygnely.

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1862.  Lytton, Str. Story, I. 129. Mrs. Ashleigh looked at me benignly.

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  † 2.  Meekly, gently, humbly. Obs.

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c. 1386.  Chaucer, Pers. T., ¶ 35. Penitence destreyneth a man to accepte benygnely euery peyne that hym is enioyned.

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1393.  Langl., P. Pl., C. XV. 57. Yf men wolde hit [mercy] aske Buxumliche and benygneliche.

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1557.  Paynell, Barcklaye’s Jugurthe, 7. He answered benygnely for the tyme.

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  3.  Of things: Genially, favorably, auspiciously.

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1645.  Waller, Wks., 30–1 (J.).

        Tis amazement more then love
Which her radiant eyes doe move;
If lesse splendor wait on thine,
Yet they so benignly shine.

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1752.  Young, Brothers, I. i. (1757), II. 202. Benignly bright, as stars to mariners.

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1871.  R. Ellis, Catullus, xlvi. 2. Zephyrus, health benignly breathing.

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