balefully en · ADV
Etymology
From Middle English balfulli; equivalent to baleful + -ly.
Meanings
-
In a baleful, ominous manner.
The toad stared balefully at his reflection and puffed himself up to show that he wasn't really frightened.
1971, Richard Carpenter, Catweazle and the Magic Zodiac, Harmondsworth: Puffin Books, page 22:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| most balefully | Degree=Sup | lexicographic | |
| more balefully | Degree=Cmp | lexicographic |