greenly

comparative more greenly · superlative most greenly

1. Characterized by greenness or lushness; verdant.

   How then is it possible that Methodism, that is, a religion of the heart, though it flourishes now as a greenly tree, should continue in this state?

   1999, Marva J. Dawn, A Royal Waste of Time

   Synonyms: lush, verdant, bosky, lavish, lush, verdant, verdured, verdurous

comparative more greenly · superlative most greenly

1. With a green color.

   What was that gleaming greenly on Mother's hand? A ring . . . Dad's present.

   1939, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Ingleside

   2 more examples

   But within this swarded circle, into which the lime-walk brings us — Whence the beeches rounded greenly, stand away in reverent fear; I will let no music enter, saving what the fountain sings us […]

   1844, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Lady Geraldine's Courtship

   Sylvia loved dancing, and knew "wall flowers" only by sight; therefore she was busy; her lover's gift shone greenly in bosom, hair, and fleecy skirts[…]

   1865, Louisa May Alcott, Moods, page 131

2. In a naive or immature manner.

   They […] proposed that we should join them in a plan to drench the president next morning with freezing water. We consented greenly enough.

   1880, Robert W. Bigham, Thomas Osmond Summers, Wine and Blood, page 53

plural Greenlys

1. A surname, variant of Greenlee.