adv. [OE. teartlíce: see TART a. and -LY2.] In a tart manner; sharply; with acidity; usually fig. with asperity of tone. In quot. 1599, ‘with sourness of aspect’ (J.).
c. 1000. in Napier, O. E. Glosses, 81/3011. Acriter, teartlice. Ibid., 122/4730. Acrius, teartlicor.
1599. Shaks., Much Ado, II. i. 3. How tartly that Gentleman lookes, I neuer can see him, but I am heart-burn’d an howre after.
a. 1661. Fuller, Worthies (1662), III. Worc. 169. One jeeringly saluted him, ‘Good morrow, Bishop quondam,’ to whom Bonner as tartly returned, ‘Good morrow, Knave semper.’
1791. Boswell, Johnson, 19 April, an. 1773. Johnson, offended,… answered tartly, ‘No, Sir; do you read books through?’
1853. Alice Carey, Clovernook, Ser. II. v. 41. ‘I don’t know how young they be,’ answered the spinster tartly, not much relishing any allusion to age.
1876. Miss Braddon, J. Haggard’s Dau., II. 163. ‘You may as well wait till tea’s finished,’ exclaimed Judith tartly.
