a. and adv. Obs. Also 6 spritly, 7 -lye, sp’ritly. [f. SPRITE sb.]
A. adj. 1. = SPRIGHTLY a. 1.
1606. Shaks., Tr. & Cr., II. ii. 190. Yet nere the lesse, My spritely brethren, I propend to you In resolution to keepe Helen still.
1670. Cotton, Espernon, I. IV. 141. But the Commanders and Souldiers were such, that it was not possible to see any where a more complete, nor a more spritely Body.
1752. Fielding, Amelia, Wks. 1755, X. 213. I fancy Mrs. Bennet hath been a very spritely woman: for … she discovers by starts a great vivacity in her countenance.
b. = SPRIGHTLY a. 1 b.
1653. A. Wilson, Jas. I., 246. Being a Spritlye Horse … he saved both himself, and his Rider.
1680. Spirit of Popery, 56. Not daring to Attack the Coachman, because his Whip did fright his spritely Horse.
1752. Young, Nt. Th., I. 437. The spritely lark’s shrill mattin wakes the morn.
2. = SPRIGHTLY a. 2.
1654. R. Whitlock, Ζωοτομια, 342. No doubt the Soule needs … a well organiz’d Body, to exercise it[s] Functions with spritely Vigor.
a. 1700. Evelyn, Diary, 10 March 1685. An aire of spritely modestie not easily to be described.
1774. Mitford, Ess. Harmony Lang., 149. Where this is the case a monosyllabic line may be spritely in its motion.
3. = SPRIGHTLY a. 3 a.
1602. Rowlands, Tis Merrie when Gossips meete (Hunterian Cl.), 3. Not penny a quart, dull ale, nor drowsie Beere But spritely wine.
1669. Digby, Closet Opened (1677), 7. It [the mead] will be very spritely, and quick and pleasant.
b. = SPRIGHTLY a. 3 b.
1598. Marston, Pygmal., Sat., iv. I see Th’art falne to wits extreamest pouerty, Sure in Consumption of the spritly part.
1638. Brathwait, Barnabees Jrnl., I. E. Furnish’d with their spritely weapons.
1821. Lamb, Elia, Ser. I. Mrs. Battle’s Opinions on Whist. She could not conceive a game wanting the spritely infusion of chance.
c. = SPRIGHTLY a. 3 c.
c. 1611. Chapman, Iliad, XVIII. 449. Youthes, and maides,… To whom the merrie Pipe and Harp the spritely sounds aduanc’t.
1662. Playford, Skill Mus., I. (1674), 60. Such effectual melody … in such excellent Fug’s and Spritely Ayres.
1789. Burney, Hist. Mus., III. vii. 410. A Consort … in 4 parts of a spritely kind such as were then called Fancies.
d. = SPRIGHTLY a. 3 d.
1662. Playford, Music (1674), 109. The Treble-Violin is a cheerful and spritely Instrument.
1670. in Term Caral. (Arber), I. 49/2. Directions to learn to play upon that pleasant and spritely Instrument, the Flagollet.
B. adv. = SPRIGHTLY adv.
1606. Sylvester, Du Bartas, II. iv. II. Magnificence, 924. There the Lord Zedec him more spritely bears, Milde, fair and pleasant.
1657. F. Cockin, Div. Blossomes, 48. So lively glorious,… So Sp’ritly vigorous and Soul-reviving.
