adv. [f. prec. + -LY2.]
† 1. In secret written character, in cipher. Obs.
1643. Prynne, Rome’s Master-p. (ed. 2), 6. All the inclosed Letters are written Characteristically.
2. In a characteristic manner, in a way that characterizes, betokens character or special quality; distinctively and expressively; typically.
1665. J. Spencer, Prophecies, ii. 36 (T.). The title of [Hebrew] wise men seems to have been anciently the peculiar addition of Prophets and used characteristically.
1816. Keatinge, Trav. (1817), I. 150. Philosophers … have, characteristically as such, a saying for everything.
1847. H. Miller, First Impr., iii. The frankness struck me … as characteristically English.
