I. ˈpərlē, ˈpə̄l-, ˈpəil-, -li adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English peerly, from perle pearl + -y — more at pearl
1. : having the appearance of a pearl or of mother-of-pearl (as in luster, shape, texture)
a pearly complexion that was the envy of her companions
2. : containing a pearl or mother-of-pearl
pearly oyster
3. : adorned or set with pearls or mother-of-pearl
loved her pearly Juliet cap
4. : highly precious : rare and beautiful
in the delicate etching with which he makes the daughter shine with a kind of pearly virginity — Marjory S. Douglas
5. : having the color of pearl
his teeth of a pearly whiteness — Mary W. Shelley
6. : having a pear-shaped tone
crooning pearly high notes — Time
II. adverb
: in a way suggesting a pearl (as in luster, color, texture)
pearly white satin
III. noun
( -es )
Britain
1. : clothing heavily ornamented or sometimes nearly covered with pearl buttons and worn by costermongers on special occasions
2. : costermonger