Category:Only

On"ly, a. Etym: [oe. only, anly, onlich, as. anlic, i.e., onelike. See one, and like, a.]

1. One alone; single; as, the only man present; his only occupation.

2. Alone in its class; by itself; not associated with others of the Same class or kind; as, an only child.

3. Hence, figuratively: alone, by reason of superiority; preëminent; Chief. "motley's the only wear." Shak.

Only On"ly, adv. Etym: [see only, a.]

1. In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; Barely. And to be loved himself, needs only to be known. Dryden.

2. So and no otherwise; no other than; exclusively; solely; wholly. "she being only wicked." Beau. & fl. Every imagination. . . of his heart was only evil. Gen. vi. 5.

3. Singly; without more; as, only-begotten.

4. Above all others; particularly. [obs.] His most only elected mistress. Marston.

Only On"ly, conj.

Defn: save or except (that); -- an adversative used elliptically with Or without that, and properly introducing a single fact or Consideration. He might have seemed some secretary or clerk. . . only that his low, Flat, unadorned cap. . . indicated that he belonged to the city. Sir W. Scott.