adv. [f. as prec. + -LY2.]
1. In a theatrical manner or style; in relation to the theatre; dramatically; as a public spectacle.
1647. Trapp, Comm. Epistles, 637. The Pharisees … did all theatrically, histrionically, hypocritically, ‘to be seen of men.’
1669. Bp. Hopkins, Serm. 1 Pet. (1685), 71. Here royal and sacred blood is theatrically spilt.
c. 1702. Pope, Imit. Earl Dorset, Artemisia, iii. Her voice theatrically loud.
1813. Examiner, 29 March, 205/1. Whether good taste considers such a deformity as theatrically picturesque.
1878. Bosw. Smith, Carthage, 407. Some forty years after Caius Marius had so theatrically taken his seat amidst its ruins.
† 2. In rising terraces, like an amphitheatre. Obs.
1768. Misc., in Ann. Reg., 174/2. It has a strong appearance of benches; which never rise theatrically in these buildings abroad.
1778. Eng. Gazetteer (ed. 2), s.v. Woburn, On one side of this water … there are high hills, that are planted theatrically with evergreens.
