I. adjective
( usually -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English, alteration of loverdlich, from Old English hlāfordlīc, from hlāford lord + -līc -ly
1.
a. : of, relating to, or administered by a lord
lordly or absolute monarchy is the best and most natural government — John Hall
b. : having the characteristics of a lord : dignified , honorable
more lordly than all emperors and kings condensed into one — C.H.Spurgeon
its lordly and patrician detachment — Irwin Edman
c.
(1) : befitting a lord : noble
the generous public spirit … responsible for this lordly gift of land — Lewis Mumford
(2) : suitable for a lord : grand , stately
one of the lordliest sites on earth — R.L.Duffus
heir to a lordly fortune — Dumas Malone
2. : having or affecting a feeling of superiority : arrogant , haughty , imperious
a lordly indifference to making money by his writings — Leslie Stephen
a lordly nation that will not trust thee but for profit's sake — Shakespeare
Synonyms: see proud
II. adverb
Etymology: Middle English, from lordly, adjective
: in a lordly manner