adv. Also 6–7 zel-, (7 selusslie). [f. prec. + -LY2.] In a zealous manner; with zeal or passionate ardor; with enthusiastic eagerness.
1575. trans. Luther’s Comm. Gal., 24 b. At the first when the light of the gospel … began to appeare, many were zelously bent to godlines.
1611. Bible, Transl. Pref., ¶ 3. To professe it [sc. Religion] zealously. Ibid., Gal. iv. 17. They zelously affect you, but not well [Tindale They are gelous over you amysse].
c. 1630. Milton, Sonn., ix. Thy care is fixt and zealously attends To fill thy odorous Lamp with deeds of light.
1661. Lauderdale Papers (Camden, 1884), I. 92. The chanslir is selusslie your frind.
1769. Junius Lett., iii. You zealously undertook the cause of that gallant army.
1879. Lubbock, Sci. Lect., ii. 36. We know how fond ants are of honey, and how zealously and unremittingly they search for food.
1886. Besant, Childr. Gibeon, II. v. A place … where there was no prospect of improvement, however zealously one worked.
† b. In the way of religious zeal or devotion.
1644. Milton, Divorce, I. viii. Wks. 1851, IV. 40. It will easily be true that a father or brother may be hated zealously, and lov’d civilly or naturally.
