gainly
Americanadjective
adjective
adverb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of gainly
First recorded in 1850–55; probably back formation from ungainly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Learned pigs," however, such as are exhibited at country fairs, are a rare occurrence, and the family to which they belong is essentially one "gross" in character, and far from gainly in appearance.
From Heads and Tales : or, Anecdotes and Stories of Quadrupeds and Other Beasts, Chiefly Connected with Incidents in the Histories of More or Less Distinguished Men. by Adam White
But that no man depart unsatisfi’d A while this Universe here will we feigne Corporeall, till we have gainly tride.
From Democritus Platonissans by Henry More
In our admiration we entirely separate these qualities from that least gainly and least wholesome of the forms of Christian piety with which they are here found connected.
From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 61, No. 378, April, 1847 by Various
Never a gainly man—short-legged, broad, uncouth—his was yet a figure in keeping with the scene; unkempt and haggard, blue-lipped, drenched by sea and rain, he was never less than a Master of the Sea.
From The Brassbounder A Tale of the Sea by David W. Bone
I did not fashion the man," said Faith, biting her lip, and tossing her head; "nor is it aught to me whether he be gainly or not.
From The Wept of Wish-Ton-Wish by James Fenimore Cooper
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