handsomely

adv

1. Regarding a person's action: in a handsome or good-looking manner.

   “a handsomely brooding man”

2. In a manner conforming to accepted standards of behaviour; appropriately, decently, graciously; also (more strongly), generously, magnanimously.

   “I was handsomely praised for my part in stopping the robber.”

3. In an elegant or graceful manner; elegantly, gracefully, neatly, nicely.

   “She can lulle a childe as hãſomly [hansomly] a ſlepe as it were a woman of thirty yere olde: […]”

   “[E]uerie morning after they are ryſen, they folde vp their ſheetes hanſomlie, laying them in the middeſt of the Bed, ⁊ ſo rowle it vp to one ende, couering it with the Quilt, that is their Couerlet all the night time.”

   “[H]e took Diſpondencie’s Daughter, named Much-afraid, by the Hand, and to dancing they vvent in the Road. […] [T]he Girl vvas to be commended, for ſhe anſvvered the Muſick hanſomely.”

   “[…] I compoſed a Treatiſe on Education; the firſt Rudiments of vvhich, as I taught, vvere to inſtruct a Child in the Science of coming handſomely into a Room.”

   “VVell, my ſvveet miſtreſs, I'll try hovv handſomely your ladyſhip can caper in the air!”

4. With an attractive or elegant appearance; attractively, finely, splendidly.

   “to dress handsomely”

5. Chiefly regarding speech or writing: cleverly, skilfully.

   “Yes, there requireth alſo, that he knowe the nature ⁊ cauſe of the wounde or ſore, and that he can well order his plaiſters and oyntementes, and alſo vſe handſomely the ſaide inſtrumentes.”

   “Yea, vvhen Proteſtants object againſt St. Peter’s being at Rome, becauſe St. Paul, in his Epiſtle to the Romans, omitteth to name or ſalute him; The Ieſuite handſomely anſvvers, That Peter vvas then probably from home, employed in Preaching in Britain, and other places.”

6. Regarding an undesirable occurrence (such as defeat or punishment): harshly, severely; (by extension) completely, thoroughly; also, energetically, vigorously.

   “To be sure, he expected eggs as well, and looked from his plate to Bradly's to assure himself that it was not by an oversight that Bradly had omitted to serve him eggs. Still, he tucked in handsomely to bacon and tomato on fried bread, felicitating himself on the considered wisdom of his arrival in the character of guest to Bradly.”

   “The through Moorgate service has been most handsomely speeded up, and suburban trains in both directions now run non-stop between Kings Cross (Underground) and Elstree.”

7. Especially regarding how a gift is given or money is paid: without holding back; generously, liberally.

   “[…] [Ronald] Koeman gets paid handsomely (and more or less the same amount) if he does the job, if he gets fired or if his contract gets renewed.”

8. Without undue haste; carefully, slowly and steadily.

   “For the cold pain of the joynts. Take a clout dipt in melted vvax, lay it handſomely and as cloſely on as the ſick can endure it for one night, and it vvill cure it.”

   “Up with the helm, Tom.—Ease off the main sheet, handsomely, my lad—not too much.—Now, take in the slack, afore she jibes; […]”

9. (obsolete)In a convenient manner; conveniently, readily.
10. (obsolete)In a proper manner; properly, suitably.

    “So handſomely do all things fall in and agree together.”

    “He says very handsomely, in his own excuse, that he does not act for gain; that he indulges an innocent pleasure in it; and that it is better to pass away an evening in this manner, than in gaming and drinking: […]”