At a high price; at great cost; usually with such verbs as buy, cost, pay, sell, etc. (See also abye, v., buy, v. 3, cost, v. phrases 1, etc.)

For a large sum; at a high price. Obsolete.

At a high price; at great cost; = dear, adv. 1. Now usually figurative. When modifying an adjective used attributively it is usually hyphenated…

In a chargeable way (in various senses).

ironically, esp. with pay, cost.

in an expensive manner, with (great) expense.

Dearly, heavily, in respect of payment, etc.

in a manner involving much expense.

quasi-adv.= expensively adv. Obsolete.

Towards the more expensive end of the market. Also transferred and figurative.