adv. [f. TAME a. + -LY2.] In a tame manner, in any of the senses of TAME a.; e.g., like a tame animal; submissively, tractably, quietly, passively; without resistance; without spirit or animation; without bold features.
1597. Shaks., 2 Hen. IV., IV. ii. 42. True Obedience … [may] Stoope tamely to the foot of Maiestie.
a. 1631. Donne, Annuntiation & Passion, 1. Tamely fraile flesh, abstaine to day; to day My soule eates twice.
1651. Jer. Taylor, Serm. for Year, I. v. 63. Our prayers upbraid our spirits when we beg coldly and tamely for those things for which we ought to dye.
1770. Junius Lett., xxxvi. (1820), 172. The English people will not tamely submit to this unworthy treatment.
1839. Darwin, Voy. Nat., i. (1879), 2. A kingfisher, which tamely sits on the branches of the Castor-oil plant.
1869. Phillips, Vesuv., vii. 172. Slopes not tamely identical but harmoniously diverse.
1885. Manch. Exam., 28 Jan., 3/4. An example rather of tamely edifying expatiation than of penetrative or stimulating thought.
