footly meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

footly

adj

Etymology From Middle English *fotlich, from Old English fōtlīċ (“on foot, pedestrian”), equivalent to foot + -ly.

Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the foot or feet.

It has been officially confirmed that this refers to the four-legged variety and is in no way connected with any footly revival of Aneurin Bevan's previous detection about the place of two-legged dextral vermin.1971 June 3, New Scientist:

Nonce word Pedestrian; on foot.

adv

Etymology From Middle English *fotlich, from Old English fōtlīċ (“on foot, pedestrian”), equivalent to foot + -ly.

In a footly manner; by foot.

Oh! foot it featly, and feat it footly, and dance and sing, and tootle-ty ting!"1902, Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards, Captain January: