|
(), a.[OE. only, anly, onlich, AS. nlic, i.e., onelike. See One, and Like, a.] 1. One alone; single; as, the only man present; his only occupation. 2. Alone in its class; by itself; not associated with others of the same class or kind; as, an only child. 3. Hence, figuratively: Alone, by reason of superiority; preminent; chief. "Motley's the only wear." Shak. On"ly (), adv.[See Only, a.] 1. In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely. And to be loved himself, needs only to be known. Dryden. 2. So and no otherwise; no other than; exclusively; solely; wholly. "She being only wicked." Beau. & Fl. Every imagination . . . of his heart was only evil. Gen. vi. 5. 3. Singly; without more; as, only-begotten. 4. Above all others; particularly. [Obs.] His most only elected mistress. Marston. On"ly conj.Save or except (that); -- an adversative used elliptically with or without that, and properly introducing a single fact or consideration. He might have seemed some secretary or clerk . . . only that his low, flat, unadorned cap . . . indicated that he belonged to the city. Sir W. Scott. スポンサード リンク
|