Fickly

adv. Now rare. Also 7 ficklely. [f. as prec. + -(L)Y².] In a fickle manner, variably, inconstantly, † deceitfully.

1

a. 1300. E. E. Psalter, V. 11. With þar tunges fikeli þai dide.

2

c. 1425. Wyntoun, Cron., VIII. xxxiii. 134.

	Bot Fortowne, þowcht scho fald fekilly
	Will noucht at anis Myscheffis fall.

3

1660. Howell, Lexicon, Ficklely; Inconstamment.

4

1666. Pepys, Diary, 30 March. Go away of her owne accord, after having given her mistresse warning fickly for a quarter of a yeare together.

5

1719. Southerne, The Spartan Dame, I. i.

	Keep up that Spirit still, and do not now
	Like a young wasteful Heir, mortgage the Hopes
	Of Godlike Majesty, on bankrupt terms,
	To raise a present Pow’r, that’s fickly held
	By the frail Tenure of the People’s Will.

6