adv. [f. as prec. + -LY2.] In a supernatural manner.
1. By supernatural agency or means; in a manner transcending the ordinary course of nature.
c. 1450. trans. De Imitatione, III. xxiv. 94. All þat we haue outwarde or inwarde, naturely or supernaturaly, all are þi benefetes.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 50 b. The vij gyftes of the holy goost directeth man supernaturally.
1577. trans. Bullinger’s Decades (1592), 834. John Gerson hath defined Ecclesiasticall authoritie to bee a power supernaturallie and spiritually giuen of the Lord to his Disciples.
1651. Hobbes, Gov. & Soc., xii. § 6. 180. It is a common doctrine, That faith and holinesse are not acquired by … naturall reason, but are … supernaturally infused.
a. 1768. Secker, Lect. (1769), I. xv. 235. God … may … subject us to any Difficulties that he pleases, provided he bestows on us, whether naturally or supernaturally, the Power of going through them.
1841. Myers, Cath. Th., III. § 6. 22. In no case have we any proof … of Truth having been as supernaturally conveyed by any men to their fellows as it has been conveyed by the Spirit of God to themselves.
† 2. Abnormally, preternaturally.
1597. A. M., trans. Guillemeau’s Fr. Chirurg., 28 b/1. The bloode which supernaturallye hath issued out of any parte … as in those which spitt bloode, or bleede much out of the nose.
1752. Law, Spir. Love, II. (1816), 106. Nothing … can be done to any creature supernaturally, or in a way that is without, or contrary to the powers of nature.
3. More than naturally; to an abnormal extent; extraordinarily. Obs. or arch.
1589. Nashe, Pref. Greene’s Menaphon (Arb.), 11. Sir Iohn Cheeke, a man of men, supernaturally traded in al tongues.
c. 1590. Marlowe, Faustus, ix. I’le gul him supernaturally.
1599. B. Jonson, Cynthia’s Rev., II. iv. (Qo. 1601). You neuer skind a new beauty more prosperously in your life, nor more supernaturally [ed. 1616 metaphysically].
1853. G. Brimley, Ess., Bleak Ho. (1858), 269. So dreadfully amiable and supernaturally benevolent.
