primly

American  

[prim-lee] / ˈprɪm li /

adverb

1. in a proper, neat, precise, or fastidious way.

   Today I stand in my navy blue uniform, my feet primly encased in black boots laced neatly over wool socks.

   As we left the restaurant I noticed that most of the other diners were eating their shrimp with knives and forks, primly dissecting each one.

2. (especially of a woman or girl) in a way that is excessively demure or modest.

   Justin and I sat, and she sat across from us, primly holding her knees together and folding her hands on top of them.

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Etymology

Origin of primly

prim ¹ ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Primly, men and women were served by separate plunges.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 28, 2021

Primly the Lady Mayoress recited a prepared speech of thanks for clothing that Canada had sent to the city during the blitz.

From Time Magazine Archive

Then out came Primly prides the privy prose I banged up the plate, saw a blur of something slinking down between the type bar levers again.

From Brknk's Bounty by Sohl, Gerald Allan