[f. CAVALIER a. + -LY2.]
† 1. Finely, magnificently, bravely. Obs.
1670. Lassels, Italy (1697), I. 24. The Gallery of Staggs Heads is a stately Room; than which nothing can be more Cavalierly furnished.
2. With haughty carelessness, disdainfully.
1718. Free-thinker, No. 76. 147. Pamphilus engages in Friendships, and in Enmities, very Cavalierly.
1768. Goldsm., Good-n. Man, IV. i. You treat me very cavalierly.
1826. Disraeli, Viv. Grey, I. v. 10. He bowed cavalierly to Mr. Dallas.
1864. H. Spencer, Illustr. Univ. Progr., 377. Those who cavalierly reject the Theory of Evolution.