Etymology

oilily

O1I1L1I1L1Y4

Today it means: Flatteringly, obsequiously. Full definition →

First used 19th c.
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The story

From oily + -ly.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 19th c. Flatteringly, obsequiously.
  • from 19th c. In an oily way; with the appearance or consistency of oil.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.