Testily

adv. [f. TESTY + -LY².] In a testy manner; irritably.

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1755. in Johnson.

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1797. Mrs. Radcliffe, Italian, ii. The guide began, testily, to justify himself for his assertions.

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1838. Dickens, Nich. Nick., xxxiv. ‘What does the idiot mean?’ cried Ralph, testily.

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1879. Mrs. F. H. Burnett, Haworth’s, xxxii. 219. ‘Aye, to be sure,’ she replied, testily, ‘Does na tha know that?’

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1885. Manch. Exam., 9 Jan., 5/4. The Lord Mayor rather testily … cut short his rhodomontade.

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