释义 |
nimbly, adv.|ˈnɪmblɪ| Forms: α. 4 nemely, 5 -lie, neemly, nemly, 6 neembly. β. 6 Sc. nimlie, 6– nimbly. [f. nimble a. + -ly2.] In a nimble or agile manner; quickly, actively. αa1350St. Mary Magd. 567 in Horstm. Altengl. Leg. (1881) 87 He saw a childe..nemely for þe nones Playand it with precius stones. c1400Destr. Troy 1226 Duke Nestor anon nemly persayuit Þat he was prinse of þe pepull. c1440Alph. Tales 448 He..put nemelie þe knyfe in hur hand. 1470–85Malory Arthur xii. iii. 596 Ther with the bore torned hym nemly. 1535Coverdale Isa. lxiii. 1 What is he this, that..cometh in so neembly with all his strength? βa1585Montgomerie Cherrie & Slae 13 So trimlie and nimlie Thir birdis they flew me by. 1603Dekker Wonderfull Yeare Wks. (Grosart) I. 144 The Tinker..stript him starke naked, but first diude nimbly into his pockets. 1665Hooke Microgr. 12 On a very stiff Drum-head, which is vehemently or very nimbly beaten with the Drum-sticks. 1709Steele Tatler No. 93 ⁋7, I recovered so quick, and jumped so nimbly into my Guard. 1766Goldsm. Vic. W. v, We saw a stag bound nimbly by. 1840Dickens Old C. Shop xix, The landlord bestirred himself nimbly. 1879M. Arnold Mixed Ess., Geo. Sand 329 One alert figure..skips nimbly along at the horses' side. Comb.1605Sylvester Du Bartas ii. iii. iii. Lawe 1146 Halfe a score of Reapers nimbly-neat. †b. Lightly (armed). Obs. rare—1.
1600Holland Livy xliv. iv. 1172 The Romanes advanced forth to fight, nimbly appointed; and the enemies likewise were lightly armed. |