archly.html - n.
a bass lute with an extended neck and unstopped bass strings. [F archiluth (as ARCH-, LUTE(1))]

archly.html - n. & v.
--n.

1 a a curved structure as an opening or a support for a bridge, roof, floor, etc. b an arch used in building as an ornament.
2 any arch-shaped curve, e.g. as on the inner side of the foot, the eyebrows, etc.

--v.

1 tr. provide with or form into an arch.
2 tr. span like an arch.
3 intr. form an arch. [ME f. OF arche ult. f. L arcus arc]

archly.html - adj.
self-consciously or affectedly playful or teasing.

archly adv. archness n. [ARCH-, orig. in arch rogue etc.]

archly.html - comb. form 1 chief, superior (archbishop; archdiocese; archduke).
2 pre-eminent of its kind (esp. in unfavourable senses) (arch-enemy). [OE arce- or OF arche-, ult. f. Gk arkhos chief]

archly.html - n.
(pl. -ies)
1 a chief enemy.
2 the Devil.

archly.html - adj. & n.
(US Archean) --adj.

of or relating to the earlier part of the Precambrian era.

--n.

this time. [Gk arkhaios ancient f. arkhe beginning]