adv. [f. ANCIENT a. + -LY2.]
1. In ancient times, of old time, of yore.
1502. Ord. Crysten Men (W. de Worde), I. iv. (1506), 43. Auncyently foure maner of people all onely be anoynted with the holy unccyon.
1576. Lambarde, Peramb. Kent (1826), 153. At Folkstone should aunciently stande one of those Turrets which the Romanes planted.
1635. Heywood, Harb. Health, 293. Mars … was antiently figured an angry man sitting in a Chariot.
1660. R. Coke, Power & Subj., 36. The state of man most anciently was never anarchy, but monarchy.
1728. Newton, Chronol. Amended, i. 45. The Philosophers anciently delivered their Opinions in Verse.
1833. I. Taylor, Fanat., ix. 394. The anciently recorded dishonours of the nation.
† 2. With less idea of remoteness: Formerly. Obs.
1624. Bedell, Lett., iii. 58. This is not onely denied by Protestants, but … anciently … by the Spanish.
1734. trans. Rollin’s Anc. Hist. (1827), VIII. XIX. § 7. 206. Such as were anciently tributaries to me.
1737. Col. Rec. Penn., IV. 214. Those who had anciently settled by mistake in the limits of either Province.
1774. Burke, Amer. Tax., Wks. II. 432. Leave the Americans as they anciently stood.
† 3. From ancient times, of long standing. Obs.
1628. Coke, On Litt. (1633), Pref. A Gentleman anciently descended.
1667. Milton, P. L., V. 723. We mean to hold what anciently we claim Of Deitie or Empire.
1686. Ravenscroft, in Shaks. Cent. Pr., 404. Some anciently conversant with the Stage.
† 4. After the manner of an ancient or elder, old-fashionedly. Obs. rare.
1588. Greene, Pandosto (1607), 33. Taking a great hooke in his hand … he went verie anciently to find out the mistresse of his affection.
5. In an ancient manner, like something old. rare.
1870. Hawthorne, Eng. Note-Bks. (1879), I. 49. They smelt anciently and disagreeably.
