I. ˈkəmlē, -li sometimes ˈkōm- or ˈkäm- adjective
( usually -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English comly, alteration (influenced by comen to come) of Old English cȳmlic lovely, glorious, from cȳme lovely, fine, glorious + -lic -ly; akin to Old High German kūmig weak, powerless, Old Norse kȳmiligr peculiar, ridiculous, Old English ciegan to cry out, Latin gavia sea gull, Greek goan to lament, Sanskrit gavate it sounds; basic meaning: crying out
1. : having a pleasing appearance : attractive through a measure of good looks, good proportions, pleasing coloration, neat or wholesome aspect : not homely or plain
those dark-featured comely womenfolk healthy and tall — Robert Browning
2. : generally pleasant and attractive-looking : seemly ; specifically : pleasurably conforming to notions of fitness, proportion, or decorum
going in with him, they observed that all was neat and comely — Willa Cather
the best architect seeks to present … the comeliest possible fulfillment of certain practical requirements — C.E.Montague
Synonyms: see beautiful
II. adverb
Etymology: Middle English comly, alteration (influenced by comen to come) of Old English cȳmlice, from cȳmlic, adjective
obsolete : comelily