adv. [f. COLD a. + -LY2.]
1. lit. In a cold manner or state.
a. 1240. Wohunge, in Cott. Hom., 277. Caldeliche dennet in a beastis cribbe.
1602. Shaks., Ham., I. ii. 181. The Funerall Bakt-meats Did coldly furnish forth the Marriage Tables.
a. 1845. Hood, Bridge of Sighs. No matter how coldly The rough river ran.
2. fig. a. Without heat or impatience; calmly, coolly, dispassionately.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 117. Be glad that we haue suffred them pacyently and coldly.
1599. Shaks., Much Ado, III. ii. 132. Beare it coldly but till night, and let the issue shew it selfe.
1635. N. R., trans. Camden’s Hist. Eliz., I. 32. By proofes he coldly shewed … that no other Religion was brought into England.
1757. W. Stukeley, Medallic Hist. Carausius, 21. The business of an historian is barely and coldly to relate plain matter of fact.
1873. Symonds, Grk. Poets, i. 23. Sparta proceeds slowly, coldly, cautiously.
b. Without ardor, enthusiasm or cordiality; without friendly welcome; in a way that chills.
1550. Nicolls, Thucyd., 51 (R.). He hadde bene neglygent [printed ben eneglygent] in causyng the confederates to assemble, and that he had coldly encouraged the armye.
1595. Shaks., John, V. iii. 13. The French fight coldly, and retyre themselues.
1621. Burton, Anat. Mel., III. ii. II. iv. Her suitor came coldly on.
1800. Mrs. Hervey, Mourtray Fam., II. 135. Emma bowed very coldly, disliking her situation.
1813. Byron, Giaour, iii. So coldly sweet, so deadly fair.
1851. Helps, Friends in C., I. 40. I fear they fell somewhat coldly on the mother’s ear.
