pugnaciously
advEtymology From pugnacious + -ly. Attested since the early 19th century.
1
In an aggressive or combative manner.
- Moreover, in using it he waggled his scalp at her in a way that made his crest of hair bristle up pugnaciously, as if proposing combat with her on the spot.1950, Norman Lindsay, Dust or Polish?, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 62:
- Related terms
- pugnacious, pugnaciousness, pugnacity