Dictionary

pursily en · ADV

Etymology

From pursy + -ly.

Meanings

1. In a pursy manner: ▸ Out of breath, breathlessly.
   • Mr Kernan hurried forward, blowing pursily. 1922, James Joyce, Ulysses, London: Egoist Press, page 231:
   • As the General straightened his tall, slight form, his tobacco-lighting accomplished, Duff Green, breathing pursily from a dash of trepidation, could not forbear comment. 1903, Alfred Henry Lewis, chapter 2, in Peggy O’Neal, Philadelphia: Drexel Biddle, page 52:
2. In a pursy manner: ▸ In a puckered manner.
   • 1939, Ellery Queen, “Long Shot” in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, No. 75, April 1959, British Edition, p. 28, And, the serious business of her Hollywood gossip column concluded, Miss Paris hung up and turned her lips pursily toward Mr. Queen.
   • Robert, who had drunk very little, eyed him pursily across the table. 2000, James Fleming, chapter 19, in The Temple of Optimism, New York: Hyperion, page 202:
   • She was dressed in a light morning “wrapper,” or robe de chambre, drawn pursily about her waist by a fillet or band, tied in imitation of a rosette in front. 1867, Daniel Crowberry, chapter 12, in North of the Tweed, volume 1, London: T. Cautley Newby, page 153:

Forms