adv. [f. CONSTITUTIONAL + -LY2.]
1. In constitution or composition.
1767. Fordyce, Serm. Yng. Wom. (ed. 4), II. x. 103. His very senses, though remaining constitutionally the same, revolt.
1882. Standard, 23 March, 2/2. It differs toxicologically and constitutionally from pure Aconitine.
2. As to the (bodily) constitution.
1796. Home, in Phil. Trans., LXXXVII. 3. Lowering the system, both constitutionally and locally.
1807. Med. Jrnl., XVII. 365. The vaccine virus had acted constitutionally, and was not confined to the local vesicle on the arm.
b. By way of a ‘constitutional.’ (humorous.)
1837. Dickens, Pickw., xxxvi. The regular water-drinkers took their quarter of a pint, and walked constitutionally.
3. By virtue of one’s constitution (of mind or body); by constitution, naturally.
1742. Young, Nt. Th., VIII. 1206. His virtue, constitutionally deep, Has habit’s firmness, and affection’s flame.
1756. Foote, Eng. fr. Paris, I. (ed. 3), 25. All you English are constitutionally sullen.
1856. Froude, Hist. Eng., I. 230. The lay peers being constitutionally conservative.
4. In a constitutional manner; in accordance with the (political) constitution.
1756. Doddington, in H. Walpole, Mem. Geo. II. (1847), II. x. 340. Relief could only come constitutionally through justice.
1769. Junius Lett., xx. (1804), I. 143. They will firmly and constitutionally assert their rights.
1848. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., I. 136. His wish seems to have been to govern constitutionally.
1857. Toulmin Smith, Parish, 8. Constitutionally recognized as the territorial division of the country for all purposes of civil government.
