Low bowed the rest; he, kingly, did but nod. --Pore.
Note: Although this citation, one from Paradise Lost, and one
from Shakespeare's ll4th Sonnet are given by
lexicographers as examples of adverbial use, it is by
no means clear that the word is not an adjective in
each instance.
The kingliest kings are crowned with thorn. --G.
Massey.
Leave kingly backs to cope with kingly cares. --Cowper.
Syn: Regal; royal; monarchical; imperial; august; sovereign;
noble; splendid.
Usage: {Kingly}, {Regal}. Kingly is Anglo-Saxon, and refers
especially to the character of a king; regal is Latin,
and now relates more to his office. The former is
chiefly used of dispositions, feelings, and purposes
which are kinglike; as, kingly sentiments; kingly
condescension; `` a kingly heart for enterprises.''
--Sir P. Sidney. The latter is oftener applied to
external state, pomp, etc.; as, regal state, regal
title, etc. This distinction is not observed by our
early writers, but is gaining ground.