big-sisterly

big-sisterly

English

Etymology

From big sister +‎ -ly.

Adjective

big-sisterly (comparative more big-sisterly, superlative most big-sisterly)

1. Of or characteristic of older sisters.
   • 1988, Edmund White, The Beautiful Room is Empty, New York: Vintage International, 1994, Chapter Four,

     Some were sweet and big-sisterly, good shoulders to cry on; others eternal cheerleaders, all freckles and bobby sox; still others were serious campus leaders with their blond hair in a severe twist.

Adverb

big-sisterly (comparative more big-sisterly, superlative most big-sisterly)

1. In the manner of an older sister.
   • 2015, Guy Vanderhaeghe, “Koenig & Company,” in Daddy Lenin and Other Stories, McClelland & Stewart,

     By turns she could be goofy and serious, playful and big-sisterly stern.