adv. [f. LOFTY a. + -LY2.] In a lofty way or manner (see the adj.).
1548. Elyot, Dict., Elate, proudely, loftyly.
1590. Spenser, F. Q., II. x. 1. Or who shall lend me wings, with which from ground My lowly verse may loftily arise, And lift it selfe vnto the highest skies?
1596. Bp. W. Barlow, Three Serm., ii. 89. And yet they bear themselues so loftily, as if they could liue without gods blessing and help.
1607. Markham, Caval., II. (1617), 82. To ride your horse … amongst short gorsse or whinnes is exceeding good,… to make a horse trot loftilie and cleanly.
1641. Best, Farm. Bks. (Surtees Soc.), 4. A tuppe, if hee bee kept loftily and in lust, is sayd to be sufficient for fortie or fiftie ewes.
1665. Boyle, Occas. Refl., Wks. (1848), p. xxi. A Strain worthy of the same pen, that so loftily describes the Destruction of Troy.
1744. Ozell, trans. Brantome’s Sp. Rhodomontades, 65. The Emperor … carried it … loftily on account of his late Victory.
1883. Eng. Illustr. Mag., Nov., 74/1. Ely cathedral … stands loftily grave and majestic.
1883. R. W. Dixon, Mano, II. iv. 74. We came upon him riding loftily.
