adv.; in 3–4 baddeliche. [f. BAD a. + -LY2.]
1. In a manner below the proper standard; poorly, insufficiently, defectively.
1377. Langl., P. Pl., B. XV. 498. Yuel y-clothed … Badly y-bedded. Ibid. (1393), C. V. 55. He is bold to borwe · and baddelich he payeþ.
1838. Dickens, O. Twist (1850), 199/1. A mean and badly-furnished apartment.
1856. Kane, Arct. Expl., II. iv. 50. We are so badly off for strong arms.
2. Unfortunately, unluckily, unsuccessfully.
1297. R. Glouc., 566. So longe hom spedde baddeliche.
1595. Shaks., John, V. iii. 2. How goes the day with vs? Hub. Badly, I feare.
1883. Law Times, 20 Oct., 407/2. A great improvement upon the former rules … which worked badly.
3. Incorrectly, faultily.
1836–9. Todd, Cycl. Anat., II. 783/2. Badly-formed bones.
1849. Ruskin, Sev. Lamps, ii. § 14. So great a painter … would never paint badly enough to deceive.
Mod. He speaks English very badly.
4. Immorally, wickedly, viciously, improperly.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 20/2. Badly or wykkydly, Male, inique.
1580. Sidney, Arcadia (1622), 176. Badly-diligent ministers, who often cloyed our eares with her prayses.
1602. Warner, Alb. Eng., IX. xlvi. 218. Labouring their Mischiefes farre and neere, Whilst Eccho and Narcissus are more badly busie heere.
1879. E. Davidson, in Cassell’s Techn. Educ., I. 202/2. Indolent, irregular, and badly-conducted pupils.
5. So as to cause pain, danger, disgrace, or harm of any kind; cruelly, unkindly, dangerously, noxiously, disagreeably, etc.
1799. E. Stanley, in Duncan, Nelson (1806), 112. The French behaved very badly to them.
1828. Southey, in Q. Rev., XXXVIII. 207. One of the Indian chiefs was badly wounded.
1884. Manch. Exam., 21 May, 4/7. The Lancashire County Eleven were badly beaten.
6. colloq. with ‘need, want’ = Much, greatly.
Mod. I wanted to see you very badly.
7. dial. quasi-adj. Unwell, indisposed, in ill health.
1783. Ainsworth, Lat. Dict. (Morell), Badly, Malè se habens.
1821. Mrs. Wheeler, Westmrld. Dial., 45. I wur terrable feard a meaakin mesel badly agayn.
