adv. [f. prec. + -LY2.] In a useless or fruitless manner; ineffectually; † so as to become of no use.
1615. G. Sandys, Trav., III. 151. The grasse wast-high, vnmowed, vneaten, and vselessly withering.
1690. Locke, Hum. Und., II. i. § 15. To be so idlely and uselesly employ’d.
1765. Museum Rust., IV. 371. I would not so uselesly misapply … your time.
1774. Pennant, Tour Scotl. in 1772, 272. My money had been so uselessly laid out.
1831. Scott, Cast. Dang., vi. You have been long, and I hope not uselessly, my pupil.
1880. McCarthy, Own Times, lxvi. IV. 506. He had thrown away his life uselessly in a quarrel.
