earthly

Etymology

From Middle English erthely, erthlich, ierðlich, from Old English eorþlīċ, corresponding to earth + -ly. Cognate with Old Norse jarðligr (“earthly”).

adj

1. Relating to the earth or this world, as opposed to heaven; terrestrial.
   earthly joys
   The shadows of earth and earthly things, resting omen-like upon the waters, alone shewed which was the home and which the mirror of the celestial host. 1832, Letitia Elizabeth Landon, Heath's Book of Beauty, 1833, The Enchantress, pages 1–2
2. (negative, informal) Used for emphasis
   The pressures of politics and war seem remote on this lovely stretch of California coastline, but last week there was no earthly way to avoid them. April 4, 1971, Robert B. Semple Jr., “The Nation”, in The New York Times, page E1
   In fiscal terms, there’s no earthly reason for Congress to be stingy with Social Security’s administrative budget. June 10, 2016, Michael Hitzlik, “Column: Congress continues its stealth assault on Social Security’s customer service”, in Los Angeles Times
3. (obsolete) Made of earth; earthy.
   We have this[…]treasure in frail, brittle, and earthly vessels. 1533, John Frith, An other boke against Rastel

noun

1. (collective or in the plural) That which is of the earth or earthly; a terrestrial being.
   He claims that the book directs the believer to let go of the earthly and await God's kingdom in the heavenly. 2018, Tamar M. Boyadjian, The City Lament: Jerusalem across the Medieval Mediterranean, Ithaca & London: Cornell University Press, page 28
   So, let all earthlies and celestials wait / Upon Thy royal state! / Sleep, sleep, my kingly One! [1844], Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “The Virgin Mary to the Child Jesus”, in Mrs. Browning's Poems with Memoir, Chicago & New York: Henneberry, stanza 5, page 267
2. (UK, colloquial) A slightest chance (of success etc.) or idea (about something).
   ‘Then I didn't have a chance when I stood you a drink?’ I said. ‘Not an earthly!’ she said and laughed; but when I left she kissed me good-night. 1974, GB Edwards, The Book of Ebenezer Le Page, New York, published 2007, page 315

adv

1. in an earthly manner.
   and dost thou, indeed, revive to existence only to again (even in more attempered blood) design the death of the innocent, helpless, orphaned memorial of a pure, a heaven and earthly-sanctioned flame, whose venial trespass was but the forestalment of your own decree? 1827, Sarah Wilmot Wells, Tales; Mournful, Mirthful, and Marvellous, volume 3, page 94
   And here again we observe the great advantage of the heavenly over the earthly appointed courts. 1886, Thomas Martin McWhinney, Reason and Revelation, Hand in Hand, page 324
   Under such circumstances it is wise that church and state be separated, for such an earthly ordained priesthood has no more ability to rule wisely than have civil rulers. 1927, Harriette Augusta Curtiss, The Message of Aquaria, page 431
   The Lord has allowed me to see a striking similarity between this heavenly anointed cherub and this earthly anointed cherub (messenger) of God. 2010, Patricia Ann Sunday, Jimmy Swaggart: the Anointed Cherub That Covereth, page 1
   Qualifications are heavenly ordained, not earthly appointed; it is God Who has qualified us as saints and made us fit to share in His eternal salvation. It is not our own efforts and accomplishments that have qualified us; […] 2016, Bruce W. Hubbard, Marlene Hubbard, The Way of Grace