adv. [f. prec. + -LY2: see -ICALLY.]
1. In a systematic manner; according to a system or organized plan; regularly and methodically.
1661. Boyle, Physiol. Ess. (1669), 7. Far from having such a stock of Experiments and Observations, as I judge requisite to write Systematically.
1699. [see SYSTEM 10].
1753. Warburton, Princ. Nat. & Rev. Relig., v. Wks. 1788, V. 71. Urging those truths systematically,… which the Evangelists proposed singly and without connection.
1809–10. Coleridge, Friend (1818), I. ii. 15. The majority of mankind learn nothing systematically, except as schoolboys or apprentices.
1837. Lockhart, Scott, IV. v. 148. Every case and shelf was accurately lettered, and the works arranged systematically.
1860. Mrs. Carlyle, Lett. (1883), III. 45. The silence I systematically observe on the shortcomings of servants.
1880. L. Stephen, Pope, iv. 93. Pope … knew the value of independence well enough to be systematically economical.
b. With unfavorable implication: With a regularity indicating (evil) design or habit: cf. SYSTEMATIC a. 3 b.
1829. F. Glasse, Belgic Past., ii. 39. He systematically gains his ends By sacrifice of principles and friends.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., xviii. IV. 144. The enemies of Child had … accused him of systematically publishing false intelligence.
1858. Froude, Hist. Eng. (ed. 2), II. x. 411. The pope … had heard … that abbots and monks in many places were systematically faithless to their vows.
1878. Lecky, Eng. 18th Cent., I. i. 134. Officers of known Whig tendencies were systematically laid aside.
† 2. By means of a ‘system’ or theory, theoretically: cf. prec. 1 b. Obs.
1749. Chesterf., Lett. to Son, 19 Dec. This knowledge is not to be gotten systematically; you must acquire it … by your own observation and sagacity.
