I. ˈklenlē, -li adjective
( often -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English clenly, from Old English clǣnlic pure, from clǣne pure + -lic -ly — more at clean
1. obsolete : clean morally or ceremonially
the cleanlier in his office for his new-washed surplice — John Milton
2. : free from dirt or litter
3.
a. : careful to keep clean
cleanly in their persons and habitations — Meriwether Lewis
the badger is a most cleanly animal
b. : habitually kept clean
c. : chaste and refined in quality
turn the jargon into cleanly English
4. obsolete : cleverly devised or deftly executed
cleanly knavery — Edmund Spenser
5. archaic : conducive to cleanness
II. ˈklēnlē, -li adverb
Etymology: Middle English clenly, from Old English clǣnlīce purely, from clǣne pure + -lice -ly
: in a clean manner