adv. [f. prec. + -LY2.] In an expressive manner; with expressive significance. † Formerly also, In respect of (practical) expression (obs.).

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1627–47.  Feltham, Resolves, II. lxxxii. 424. We seldom find the ignorant man honest; if he be mentally, yet he failes expressively.

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1640.  G. Watts, trans. Bacon’s Adv. Learn., II. xiii. 114. Nature also is most expressively set forth with a biformed Body.

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1762.  Sterne, Lett., 19 March. A gentleman … has taken it [portrait] most expressively.

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1800.  Mrs. Hervey, Mourtray Fam., III. 114. Emma fixed her eyes expressively on her father.

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1858.  Froude, Hist. Eng., IV. 148. The clerk of the prison [was sent] to a place expressively called ‘Little Ease.’

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