from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Likely \Like"ly\, a. [Compar. {Likelier} (l[imac]k"l[i^]*[~e]r);
superl. {Likeliest}.] [That is, like-like. See {Like}, a.]
1. Worthy of belief; probable; credible; as, a likely story.
[1913 Webster]
It seems likely that he was in hope of being busy
and conspicuous. --Johnson.
[1913 Webster]
2. Having probability; having or giving reason to expect; --
followed by the infinitive; as, it is likely to rain.
[1913 Webster]
3. Similar; like; alike. [Obs.] --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
4. Such as suits; good-looking; pleasing; agreeable;
handsome. --Shak. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
5. Having such qualities as make success probable; well
adapted to the place; promising; as, a likely young man; a
likely servant.
[1913 Webster]
6. Improbable; unlikely; -- used ironically; as, a likely
story. [informal]
[PJC]