from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Homely \Home"ly\, a. [Compar. {Homelier}; superl. {Homeliest}.]
[From {Home}, n.]
1. Belonging to, or having the characteristics of, home;
domestic; familiar; intimate. [Archaic]
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With all these men I was right homely, and communed
with, them long and oft. --Foxe.
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Their homely joys, and destiny obscure. --Gray.
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2. Plain; unpretending; rude in appearance; unpolished; as, a
homely garment; a homely house; homely fare; homely
manners.
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Now Strephon daily entertains
His Chloe in the homeliest strains. --Pope.
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3. Of plain or coarse features; uncomely; ugly; -- usually
used of people, especially women; -- contrary to
{handsome}.
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None so homely but loves a looking-glass. --South.
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