adv. Now rare. [f. prec.] In a sportful manner; in sport; jestingly; sportively.
a. 1586. Sidney, Arcadia, III. xvii. (1912), 452. And [this] unfathered Lady could sportfully put on the Lions skin upon her owne faire shoulders.
1632. G. Herbert, Priest Temple, ix. He … talks … also in a serious manner, never jestingly, or sportfully.
1681–6. J. Scott, Chr. Life, II. iii. 130. Now there is nothing more surprising … than to see or hear a serious thing sportfully represented.
1782. J. Brown, Nat. & Revealed Relig., VI. i. (1796), 447. This commandment forbids … our profaning and abusing his name … in angrily or sportfully cursing.
1831. Carlyle, Misc. Ess. (1888), III. 179. Nor in his satire does he ever lose pleasure but rebukes sportfully.
