oilily en · ADV
Etymology
From oily + -ly.
Meanings
- Flatteringly, obsequiously.
-
In an oily way; with the appearance or consistency of oil.
The tarmac road glistened oilily, the sun poured down, there was a strong smell of warm tar.
1952, Doris Lessing, Martha Quest, Panther, published 1974, page 158:[…] the nicest young man that ever was, — daintily gloved, patently booted, oilily curled, snowily wristbanded, with a lovely cambric (prima facie) handkerchief bound about his hyacinthine locks and polished hat.
1871, Gail Hamilton, Gala-days, page 191:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| most oilily | Degree=Sup | lexicographic | |
| more oilily | Degree=Cmp | lexicographic |
Translations (2)
pl tłusto (in an oily way) · pl oleiście (in an oily way)