I. ˈstātlē, -li adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English statly, from stat state + -ly
1.
a. obsolete : showing consciousness of high birth or rank : haughty , unapproachable
b. : marked by lofty or imposing dignity : impressively formal : courtly , ceremonious
contrasts of a stately old order and a somewhat bumptious new — V.L.Parrington
his wife looks on in stately aloofness — H.J.Laski
a stately pace
rising in the most stately manner to open the door — W.M.Thackeray
the stately language of old worship — W.L.Sullivan
2.
a. : impressive in size or proportions : majestic
houses with stately porticoes — American Guide Series: Virginia
b. : erect and imposing in outline or overall shape
stately old elms
Synonyms: see grand
II. adverb
Etymology: Middle English statly, from statly, adjective
: in a stately manner: as
a. obsolete : in the grand style : imposingly
men come to build stately sooner than to garden finely — Francis Bacon
b. : with a highly dignified or formal carriage or gait : ceremoniously
a figure … with solemn march goes slow and stately — Shakespeare