I. -lē adverb
Etymology: Middle English, from clerk + -ly
: in a clerkly manner ; especially : learnedly
II. adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: clerk + -ly
: of, relating to, suitable to, or characteristic of a clerk: as
a. : belonging to or befitting the clergy
clerkly privilege
the Wife of Bath's clerkly husband — G.G.Coulton
b. archaic : learned , scholarly
c. : showing skill in penmanship
to write a clerkly hand
d. : quiet or studious in conduct : precise or modest in appearance
a timid clerkly fellow
e. : of or in the capacity of a clerk
pursuing a clerkly career