gainly

American  

[geyn-lee] / ˈgeɪn li /

adjective

1. graceful; comely; handsome.

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gainly British  

/ ˈɡeɪnlɪ /

adjective

1. graceful or well-formed; shapely

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adverb

1. conveniently or suitably

Other Word Forms

• gainliness noun

Etymology

Origin of gainly

First recorded in 1850–55; probably back formation from ungainly

Example Sentences

Like Babe Ruth, gaunt and gainly Gunder H�gg has become popular with Swedish newsmen because of his ability to call his shots in advance.

From Time Magazine Archive

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 Cooper, James Fenimore

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 More, Henry

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 Bone, David W.

"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 White, Adam