adv. [f. STEADFAST a. + -LY2.]
1. In physical sense: Steadily, firmly, so as not to be shaken or displaced. rare.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 6430. Vr held up, and als aaron, His handes … Vnder aiþer hand was an þat held þam stedfastli als stan.
1635. Heywood, Hierarchy, 177. To whom his father [Neptune] gaue that vertue, to walk as stedfastly vpon the sea, as the land.
1817. Shelley, Marianne’s Dream, vii. Each mighty rock Stood on its basis steadfastly.
† 2. With reference to a command or bequest: Securely, bindingly. Obs.
a. 1200. Charter of Athelstan A.D. 939, in Kemble, Cod. Dipl., V. 236. And ich stedeuastliche hote and bebeode in Gode almiʓties heʓe name … ðæt [etc.].
1388. Wyclif, 1 Sam. xxx. 25, marg. This was ordeyned stidefastliere bi Dauyth … that it schulde be kept aftirward outirly.
c. 1450. Godstow Reg., 343. This yifte of hym I-made stedfastly he had, and with his seale impressed, confermed.
3. Constantly, persistently; with firm resolve, fidelity, belief, etc.
a. 1225. Ancren R., 162. Beo stille, & wune studeuestliche i sume stude, ut of monne sihðe.
c. 1250. Kent. Serm., in O. E. Misc., 28. Be-leue we stede-fast-liche þet he is fader and sune and holy gost.
1258. Proclam. Hen. III. (Ellis), 19. Þæt heo stedefæstliche healden and swerien to healden and to werien þo isetnesses þæt beon imakede.
1303. R. Brunne, Handl. Synne, 313. Stedfastlych þey preyd a-none Tyl þat woke were alle gone.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Clerk’s T., 1038. Youre woful mooder wende stedfastly That crueel houndes or som foul vermyne Hadde eten yow.
c. 1450. Merlin, i. 8. Of hem that in hym stadfastly beleve.
1568. Grafton, Chron., II. 706. She stedfastlye blamed and accused her painefull labor.
1631. Gouge, God’s Arrows, III. § 80. 333. We are wont to believe more stedfastly that which is confirmed by an oath.
1712. Steele, Spect., No. 423, ¶ 2. You will be very steadfastly my Rival.
1867. Ruskin, Time & Tide, iii. § 12. That is what I would steadfastly say again.
1877. C. Geikie, Christ, lvii. (1879), 691. They steadfastly refused to accept him.
4. With steadfast gaze.
13[?]. K. Alis., 219 (Laud MS.). In hir he loked stedfastlyk.
a. 1450. Knt. de la Tour Landry (1868), 38. Therfor, doughtres, be ware of youre lokes, whereon ye sette hem stedfastly.
1592. Shaks., Ven. & Ad., 1063. Vpon his hurt she lookes so stedfastly, That her sight dazling, makes the wound seem three.
1648. Boyle, Seraph. Love, xii. (1700), 64. They that gaze steadfastliest on the noondays Sun can least of all discern what it is.
1871. Ainsworth, Tower Hill, I. xv. He gazed at her steadfastly for a moment, bowed, and retired.
