† rheˈtoriously,adv.Obs. In 5 reth-. [f.*rethorious (f. rhetor or rhetory + -ious) + -ly2.] With ‘colours’ of rhetoric. c1475Partenay 6611 Now ye all that shall thys..rede,..Remembreth myn unconnyng simplesse; Thought rethoriously peinted [it] be not in-dede,..yut excusith me.