Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Comely
Come′ly
(kŭm′ly̆)
, Adj.
[
Com
par.
Comelier
; sup
erl.
Comeliest
.] [OE.
comeliche
, AS. cymlīc
; cyme
suitable (fr. cuman
to come, become) + līc
like.] 1.
Pleasing or agreeable to the sight; well-proportioned; good-looking; handsome.
He that is
comely
when old and decrepit, surely was very beautiful when he was young. South.
Not once perceive their foul disfigurement
But boast themselves more
But boast themselves more
comely
than before. Milton.
2.
Suitable or becoming; proper; agreeable.
This is a happier and more
Than when these fellows ran about the streets,
Crying confusion.
comely
timeThan when these fellows ran about the streets,
Crying confusion.
Shakespeare
It is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is
comely
. Ps. cxlvii. 1.
Come′ly
,adv.
In a becoming manner.
Ascham.
Webster 1828 Edition
Comely
COMELY
,Adj.
1.
Properly, becoming; suitable: whence, handsome; graceful. Applied to person or form, it denotes symmetry or due proportion, but it expresses less than beautiful or elegant.I have seen a son of Jesse--comely person. 1 Sam. 16.
I will not conceal his comely proportion. Job 41.
2.
Decent; suitable; proper; becoming; suited to time, place, circumstances or persons.Praise is comely for the upright. Ps. 33.
It is comely that a woman pray to God uncovered? 1 Cor. 11.
O what a world is this, when what is comely envenoms him that bears it.
COMELY
,adv.
Definition 2024
comely
comely
English
Alternative forms
- cumlie
Adjective
comely (comparative comelier or more comely, superlative comeliest or most comely)
- (dated, of a person) Pleasing or attractive to the eye.
- South
- He that is comely when old and decrepit, surely was very beautiful when he was young.
- Milton
- Not once perceive their foul disfigurement / But boast themselves more comely than before.
- 1918, Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Land That Time Forgot, Chapter IX
- The chief's name was To-jo, and his household consisted of seven females and himself. These women were much more comely, or rather less hideous than those of Tsa's people; one of them, even, was almost pretty, being less hairy and having a rather nice skin, with high coloring.
- Jan 23, 2013, Ian Pope, Modern Longbow Design & Toxophilus Longbow Design Refined by Ascham: A Voice from the Past
- It should be whipped at the ends, comely in appearance.
- South
- (archaic) Suitable or becoming; proper; agreeable.
- Shakespeare
- This is a happier and more comely time / Than when these fellows ran about the streets, / Crying confusion.
- Bible, Psalms cxlvii. 1
- It is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
- Shakespeare
Synonyms
Antonyms
- (of a person) homely
Derived terms
Translations
pleasing or attractive to the eye