pursily

pursily

English

Etymology

pursy +‎ -ly

Adverb

pursily (comparative more pursily, superlative most pursily)

1. In a pursy manner:
   1. Out of breath, breathlessly.
      • 1903, Alfred Henry Lewis, Peggy O’Neal, Philadelphia: Drexel Biddle, Chapter 2, p. 52,

        As the General straightened his tall, slight form, his tobacco-lighting accomplished, Duff Green, breathing pursily from a dash of trepidation, could not forbear comment.

      • 1922, James Joyce, Ulysses, London: Egoist Press, p. 231,

        Mr Kernan hurried forward, blowing pursily.

   2. In a puckered manner.
      • 1867, Daniel Crowberry, North of the Tweed, London: T. Cautley Newby, Volume 1, Chapter 12, p. 153,

        She was dressed in a light morning “wrapper,” or robe de chambre, drawn pursily about her waist by a fillet or band, tied in imitation of a rosette in front.

      • 1939, Ellery Queen, “Long Shot” in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, No. 75, April 1959, British Edition, p. 28,

        And, the serious business of her Hollywood gossip column concluded, Miss Paris hung up and turned her lips pursily toward Mr. Queen.

      • 2000, James Fleming, The Temple of Optimism, New York: Hyperion, Chapter Nineteen, p. 202,

        Robert, who had drunk very little, eyed him pursily across the table.

Anagrams

• plurisy