lordly

Etymology

From Middle English lordly, lordlich, from Old English hlāfordlīċ (“lordly; heroic; noble”), equivalent to lord + -ly. The adverb is from Middle English lordly, lordely, lordliche.

adj

1. Of or relating to a lord.
   Show us your lordly might: demonstrate that you can order people and get them to obey.
   But they are the peers of the Queensland Parliament, and, having no lordly robes, must approach the Old Country model as closely as possible. 1880, John Nichols, The Gentleman’s Magazine, volume 248, page 60
   [I]n that some form of duty and sacrifice (here, participation in the 1848 Revolution and a recognition of his lordly duty) is not only beneficially character-forming but also leads ultimately to a condition which is 'sublime'. 2006, Steve Wharton, Screening Reality, page 104
   Samson, in reply to this, says, “If you are not lordly, nor value your lordly title, as you tell me, and I trust in truth and sincerity, shall I call you a phoenix? 2011, Thomas Smith, C. Matthew McMahon, Therese B. McMahon, Select Memoirs of the English and Scottish Divines, page 282
   [H]e's still got his lordly habits, and more so since coming out of the war as a general.' 'A colonel, Sammy,' said Rachel. 'Same thing, good as,' said Sammy. 'Boots, of course, does wear his lordly crown with style,' said Rachel. 'Don't I know it? 2011, Mary Jane Staples, Appointment at the Palace: An Adams Family Saga Novel, page 275
2. Having the qualities of a lord; lordlike; noble
3. Appropriate for, or suitable to, a lord; glorious.
4. Proud; haughty; imperious; insolent.

adv

1. In the manner of a lord. Showing command or nobility.
   1891, Sir Edwin Arnold, The Light of the World: Or, The Great Consummation, Book I — “Mary Magdalene”, Funk & Wagnalls, page 56, […] / And Herod's painted pinnaces, ablaze / With lamps, and brazen shields and spangled slaves, / Came and went lordly at Tiberias; / […]
   Look at man, then, walking lordly amidst the gigantic flora and fauna of long ago; and see if seven, eight, nine hundred years do not sit serenely on his mighty brow. 1925, Claude Kean, Stock Charges Against the Bible, published 2003, page 61