Also 6–7 exemplarie, 6–9 examplary, 7 exempleary. [f. late L. exemplār-is (see EXEMPLAR a. and -ARY2), f. exemplum.] A. adj.
† 1. Of or pertaining to an example; furnishing examples. Obs.
1623. Cockeram, Exemplarie, of or belonging to an example.
1640. J. Mabbe (title), Cervantes’ Exemplarie Novells.
a. 1649. R. Holdsworth, in Spurgeon, Treas. Dav., Ps. cxxiii. 2. It is an exemplary particle, to stir them [men] up to do the like.
1692–1732. in Coles.
1822. (title) The Exemplary Novels of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.
2. That may serve as a specimen or type; in a typical form; typical.
1614. Selden, Titles Hon., 5. I allow, that a Family … was as an exemplary Monarchie.
1670. Milton, Hist. Eng., III. (1851), 94. This third Book having to tell of accidents various and exemplary.
1683. Kennett, trans. Erasmus’ Moriæ Enc., 31. The two Cato’s are exemplary Instances.
1878. Ruskin, Notes on Turner, 72. Four exemplary drawings … he [Turner] made for specimens.
b. Serving for an illustration; illustrative.
1639. Fuller, Holy War, V. xxiv. (1647), 271. Exemplary is the Coat of George Villiers Duke of Buckingham; five Scallop-shells on a plain Crosse, speaking his predecessours valour in the Holy warre.
1817. W. Taylor, in Monthly Rev., LXXXII. 82. Collecting exemplary passages which can only assist a reader to infer the meaning of a word by induction.
3. Of a penalty, damages, etc.: Such as may serve for a warning, or act as a deterrent.
1603. Knolles, Hist. Turkes (1638), 196. The Christians sent by Lazarus … suffered many of them exemplary punishment.
a. 1661. Fuller, Worthies (1840), III. 99. His justice was exemplary on thieves and robbers.
1734. trans. Rollin’s Anc. Hist. (1827), III. VII. 298. He took an exemplary vengeance.
1809. Observer, 7 May, in Bentham, Packing (1821), 89, note. From the frequency of this offence, it became necessary to punish it with exemplary severity.
1888. Bryce, Amer. Commw., II. App. 672. The plaintiff, in addition to the actual damage, may … recover exemplary damages.
† b. Phrases: To be exemplary: to become a warning. To make (a person, also a thing) exemplary: to make an example of. Obs.
1591. Lambarde, Archeion (1635), 181. These offences might be made exemplary, and forewarning to other men.
1658–9. Burton’s Diary (1828), III. 251. Let him be exemplary in his punishment. Send him to the Tower, and fine him 1000l.
1669. Lond. Gaz., No. 411/4. The Ring-leaders in the late Tumult, whom he intends to make exemplary.
1692. R. L’Estrange, Josephus’ Antiq., IV. ii. (1733), 79. That dark Way of Proceeding ought to be made exemplary in time.
4. Of a kind to become an example, liable to be turned into a precedent. Hence in weaker sense: Such as to attract notice; remarkable, extraordinary, signal. arch.
1589. Puttenham, Eng. Poesie, I. xx. (Arb.), 58. The good and bad of Princes is more exemplarie … then the priuate persons.
1629. Chapman, Juvenal, 185. A lamprey of an exemplary size, That for dimension bears the prize from all.
1649. Selden, Laws Eng., II. iii. (1739), 18. Such crimes as are contrary to … the publick profit or peace, in a more exemplary way than ordinary.
1718. Prior, Solomon, II. 986. From this abyss of exemplary vice Resolv’d … to rise.
1829. Gen. P. Thompson, Exerc. (1842), I. 137. There was nobody that made a more exemplary bawling for the constable.
5. Of things: Serving as a model or pattern, after which something may be made; archetypal.
1594. Hooker, Eccl. Pol., I. iii. 8. We are not of opinion … that nature in working hath before her certaine exemplary draughts or patternes.
1659. H. L’Estrange, Alliance Div. Off., 40. So that what Osmund intended peculiarly for his own use became exemplary to others.
1702. Lond. Gaz., No. 3809/8. An exemplary Invoice, proper for those at Sea and Land.
1816. W. Taylor, in Monthly Rev., LXXXI. 525. Manuscript books … sufficiently popular to be exemplary.
1854. Trench, Synon. N. T., Ser. I. (1860), 83. The first edition of 1611 … should have been considered authoritative and exemplary for all that followed.
6. Of persons and personal attributes: Fit to serve as an example or pattern for imitation.
1589. Puttenham, Eng. Poesie, I. xix. (Arb.), 55. The good and exemplarie things and actions of the former ages.
1612. T. Taylor, Comm. Titus ii. 7. In … good doctrine, and good life … exemplarie to his [a minister’s] people in publike and priuate.
1640. T. Heywood (title), The Exemplary Lives and Memorable Acts of Nine the most worthy Women of the World.
1663. Gerbier, Counsel, A j a. Your Lordship hath been exemplary to better Building.
1709. Steele, Tatler, No. 104, ¶ 3. This Lady lived several Years an Exemplary Pattern of Conjugal Love.
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., II. 92. He was a man of learning and fervent piety, a preacher of great fame, and an exemplary parish priest.
1883. W. R. S. Ralston, in 19th Cent., XIII. 88. Popular tales are, as a general rule, provided with exemplary morals.
Hence † b. Excellent, perfect. Obs.
1644. Bulwer, Chirol., 11. She is the most faithfull guide to the exemplary knowledge of any matter of Fact passed.
† B. adv. In an exemplary manner; to an exemplary degree; so as to be exemplary. Obs.
1626. G. Sandys, Ovid’s Met., Life, b. Continuing to the end exemplarie faithfull.
1658. A. Fox, trans. Würtz’ Surg., I. iii. 8. Such Surgeons, which suffer worms to grow in wounds, deserve to be punished severely and exemplary.
1728. Morgan, Algiers, I. iv. 74. That good Pastor [S. Augustine] persuaded him to live exemplary, in his Station, without turning Recluse.
1772. Wilkes, Corr. (1805), IV. 139. Our captain … had been exemplary humane and good.
