hooly
Definition of hooly
chiefly Scottish
: in a slow, careful, or gentle manner
Explore Merriam-Webster
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Origin and Etymology of hooly
Middle English holy, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse hōfliga fairly, with moderation, from hōfligr moderate, from hōf moderation, proportion + -ligr -ly; akin to Old Norse hefja to lift
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Origin and Etymology of hooly
Middle English (Scots dialect) huly, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse hōfligr moderate
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up hooly? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!