adv. Obs. rare. [f. TECT ppl. a. + -LY2.] In a concealed manner, covertly.
1566. Heskyns, Parl. Chryste, III. lix. 394. The Sacramentarie then denienge that we receaue the bodie of Chryst into our bodies, denieth the argument of this holie Father, and tectlie also denieth owre resurrection and immortalitie.
1587. Holinshed, Chron. Irel., II. 176/2. He laid verie close & tectlie a companie of his men in an old house fast by the castell.
1687. Catholic Balance, 29. Opposing these Doctoral Principles either tectly or openly.
1695. S. Hill. Vind. Prim. Fathers, II. 59. Let me observe how tectly sly and abusive his Lordship’s Reflexion on them is.
