adv. [f. prec. + -LY2.] In a flourishing manner. † a. In the shape of a flower (obs.). b. Vigorously, prosperously. † c. In flowery terms, floridly (obs.). † d. Ostentatiously, showily (obs.). e. With a flourish or flourishing movement.
a. 1486. Bk. St. Albans, Her., E j a. The forsayd letill barris ar othyrwyle made florishyngh.
b. 1609. W. M., Man in Moone (1849), 20 (Percy Soc.). Swaggering drunkards or swearing Jackes, which have thus flourishingly sprowted up by service.
1819. Ann. Reg., 36. We were going on flourishingly.
1879. Stevenson, Trav. Cévennes, 106. Outdoor rustic people have not many ideas, but such as they have are hardy plants and thrive flourishingly in persecution.
c. 1580. Baret, Alv., E 163. To vtter his mind eloquently, flourishingly, & finely.
1647. trans. Malvezzi’s Pourtract, 3–4. The Actions of Predecessours that they may be praised, require no more, then to bee flourishingly related.
d. 1550. Bale, Image Both Ch., II. xvii. She is in lyke case florishinglye decked with golde, preciouse stone, and pearles.
e. 1825. Blackw. Mag., XVII. March, 363/2. Round which the lash of the Q. (almost as sharp as that of Z. himself) had so flourishingly played its periodical gambols.
1832. J. Wilson, Noctes Ambrosianæ, in ibid., XXXI. Feb., 272. I came down waveringly, careeringly, and flourishingly, just as you have seen a lark from sky to furrow.
