adv. [f. prec. + -LY2.] In a figurative manner.
1. In or by means of a figure or emblem.
1393. Langl., P. Pl., C. XVII. 294. And [þow] fynde hym bote figuratifliche · a ferly me þynkeþ.
c. 1430. Speculum (1888), 33 In. Gedeones flece was this shewed figuratively.
1508. Fisher, 7 Penit. Ps. ooiij. There be thre partes of penaunce whiche this holy prophete sheweth derkely and fyguratyuely by the symylitude of thre dyuers byrdes.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., III. vii. 121. The sense is still the same; for therein are figuratively intended Vzziah and Ezechias.
1780. G. Horne, Disc. (1794), III. xvii. 379. At that hallowed hour when the eucharist is consecrated, Christ is, again, figuratively and sacramentally presented in the temple on earth.
2. By or as a figure of speech; metaphorically.
1533. Frith, Disput. Purgat. (1829), 151. Now if any man be superstitious, that he dare not understand this thing as figuratively spoken, then may he verify it upon them that God raised from natural death, as he did Lazarus.
1651. Hobbes, Leviath., III. xxxv. 220. Figuratively, those men also are called Holy, that led such godly lives, as if they had forsaken all worldly designs, and wholly devoted, and given themselves to God.
1749. Fielding, Tom Jones, VII. ii. To express myself less figuratively, he determined to go to sea.
1867. Miss Broughton, Not Wisely, but too Well, III. 282. It’s very, very difficult figuratively to get inside another person: regulate your pulse-beats by theirs; quicken or slacken the pulsation of your heart in harmony with theirs.
