I. -lē, -li adjective
Etymology: Middle English moderly from Old English mōdorlīc, from mōdor mother + -līc -ly
1. : of, befitting, or proper to a mother
her motherly instincts had been aroused — Hervey Allen
motherly tenderness — A. Conan Doyle
in a motherly tone — Ellen Glasgow
2. : resembling a mother in love, protectiveness, or conduct : maternally soft, warm, or sympathetic : maternal
a handsome and motherly young woman — Floyd Dell
II. adverb
Etymology: Middle English moderly, from moderly, adjective
archaic : in a motherly manner