privily

[ priv-uh-lee ]

adverb

1. in a privy manner; secretly.

privily

/ ˈprɪvɪlɪ /

adverb

1. archaic.
   in a secret way

Word History and Origins

Origin of privily¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; privy, -ly

Example Sentences

Now faring with the King was one Gamal, & he rode up to one of the peasants who was a friend of his and spoke privily with him.

From Project Gutenberg

Item, Because in the convents of women men come not but underhand, privily, and by stealth?

From Project Gutenberg

Being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, he was minded to put her away privily.

From Project Gutenberg

Then Joseph her husband being a just man, and not wishing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

From Project Gutenberg

Hast thou noted of her that whiles she goeth away privily by night and cloud?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• clandestinely
• covertly
• furtively
• personally
• privately
• quietly
• stealthily
• surreptitiously