Dictionary

catly en · ADJ

Etymology

From cat + -ly. Compare catlike.

Meanings

1. Of or pertaining to cats; feline.
   • Automatically, he scanned the premises for catly mischief, just as Nick Bamba scanned a vacated guest room for missing lightbulbs and dripping hot water faucets. 2003, Lilian Jackson Braun, The Cat Who Went Up the Creek:
   • Patches rubbed his face on Roxbury's leg in a catly way. Patches stretched out and rolled over, and Whiskers tickled the kitten's neck, shoulders, and upper belly. “I'm their natural science teacher,” said Tiffany in a catly voice as she bent her knees to pet Patches without looking at him. 2004, Anne Hart, Problem-Solving and Cat Tales for the Holidays:
   • In the last few weeks he had appended his column ^([sic]) with a few words of catly wisdom from Cool Koko's Almanac. 2004, Lilian Jackson Braun, The Cat Who Talked Turkey:

Forms