adv. [f. as prec. + -LY2.] In a comfortable manner.
† 1. So as to convey strength or support; encouragingly, reassuringly. Obs.
1494. Fabyan, cciv. Edmond … sped him towarde that parte of the felde, and behaued hym so comfortably amonges his men, that by his knyghtly courage, etc.
1678. Bunyan, Pilgr., I. 222, marg. Angels help us not comfortably through death.
† 2. Delightfully, pleasantly (to the senses). Obs.
1398. Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., VIII. xiv. (1495), 320. Amonge all sterres Venus shynyth moost comfortably [gaudentius].
† 3. With mental or spiritual enjoyment or content; pleasantly, happily. Obs.
1563. Homilies, II. Matrimony (1859), 502. To live peaceably and comfortably in wedlock.
1652. Bp. Hall, Invis. World, ii. § 6. Charity, whereby she [the soul] is feelingly and comfortably possessed of Him [God].
1758. S. Hayward, Serm., xvi. 492. it is … necessary … to our dying comfortably.
† 4. In a comforting way; comfortingly, consolingly, cheeringly. Obs.
1599. Massinger, etc., Old Law, II. ii. I have cause to weep too, But when I visit, I come comfortably.
1611. Bible, Isa. xl. 2. Speake ye comfortably to Ierusalem.
1682. Bunyan, Holy War, 300. That he would look comfortably upon them.
1743. J. Morris, Serm., ii. 52. They will not speak comfortably to their brethren, but will relieve them in their distress.
5. In a way attended with comfort; in a state of comfort; with comfort (see COMFORT sb. 6).
1634. W. Wood, New Eng. Prosp., I. x. (1860), 45. They live more comfortably and at less charges.
1719. De Foe, Crusoe (1840), II. i. 12. Enough of them as … might comfortably supply them for seven years.
c. 1850. Arab. Nts. (Rtldg.), 210. The miller … was very comfortably off.
1861. Hughes, Tom Brown at Oxf., i. (1889), 8. The chapel … just holds us all comfortably.
1884. Miss Braddon, Ishmael, xix. Decently fed, comfortably clad.
b. In a way expressing comfort or complacency; with placid self-satisfaction. (Cf. COMFORTABLE 10 b.)
1872. Geo. Eliot, Middlem., lxxxiv. ‘That is nice,’ said Celia, comfortably.
