— familiarly , adv. — familiarness , n.
/feuh mil"yeuhr/ , adj.
1. commonly or generally known or seen: a familiar sight.
2. well-acquainted; thoroughly conversant: to be familiar with a subject.
3. informal; easygoing; unceremonious; unconstrained: to write in a familiar style.
4. closely intimate or personal: a familiar friend; to be on familiar terms.
5. unduly intimate; too personal; taking liberties; presuming: The duchess disliked familiar servants.
6. domesticated; tame.
7. of or pertaining to a family or household.
n.
8. a familiar friend or associate.
9. Witchcraft and Demonology.
a. an animal, as a cat, that embodies a supernatural spirit and aids a witch in performing magic.
b. See familiar spirit .
10. Rom. Cath. Ch.
a. an officer of the Inquisition, employed to arrest accused or suspected persons.
b. a person who belongs to the household of the pope or of a bishop, rendering domestic though not menial service.
[ 1300-50; ME familiaris of a household (see FAMILY, -AR 1 ); r. ME famulier ]
Syn. 4. FAMILIAR, CONFIDENTIAL, INTIMATE suggest a long association between persons. FAMILIAR means well-acquainted with another person: a familiar friend. CONFIDENTIAL suggests a sense of mutual trust that extends to the sharing of confidences and secrets: a confidential adviser. INTIMATE suggests close acquaintance or connection, often based on interest, sympathy, or affection: intimate and affectionate letters. 5. forward, bold.