bodily

comparative more bodily · superlative most bodily

1. Of, relating to, or concerning the body.

   His bodily deficiencies were a heavy burden to him.

2. Having a body or material form; physical; corporeal.

   You are a mere spirit, and have no knowledge of the bodily part of us.

   1709 May 24 (Gregorian calendar), Isaac Bickerstaff [et al., pseudonyms; Richard Steele et al.], “Friday, May 14, 1709”, in The Tatler, number 15; republished in [Richard Steele], editor, The Tatler, […], London stereotype edition, volume I, London: I. Walker and Co.; […], 1822, →OCLC

3. Real; actual; put into execution.

   Be brought to bodily act.

   c. 1608–1609 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Coriolanus”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene ii]

1. not comparableIn bodily form; physically, corporally.

   For in him dwelleth all the fulneſſe of the Godhead bodily.

   1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Colossians 2:9

   1 more example

   In I got bodily into the apple barrel, and found there was scarce an apple left; but sitting down there in the dark, what with the sound of the waters and the rocking movement of the ship, I had either fallen asleep or was on the point of doing so when a heavy man sat down with rather a clash close by.

   1883, Robert Louis Stevenson, “The Voyage”, in Treasure Islandᵂⁱᵏⁱˢᵒᵘʳᶜᵉ

2. not comparablePertaining to the whole body or mass; wholly.

   It is true that in adopting the short view many of the younger economists have not merely taken over the lay notions bodily.

   1958, Jacob Viner, The Long View and the Short, page 112

   1 more example

   The papering of one side of the room had dropped down bodily, with fragments of plaster adhering to it, and almost blocked up the door.

   1859, Charles Dickens, The Haunted House

3. not comparableForcefully, vigorously.

   He was thrown bodily out of the house.

plural Bodilys

1. A surname.