Middle English edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

From thef +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ˈθeːfliː/, /ˈθeːvliː/, /ˈθeːfliːtʃ(ə)/

Adverb edit

thefly

  1. In a way resembling a thief; thievishly (especially referring to deception or sleight-of-hand)
    (Can we find and add a quotation of Chaucer to this entry?)

Descendants edit

  • English: thiefly (now rare)

References edit