LAMELY

lamely

(adverb) in a weak and unconvincing manner; “‘I don’t know, Edward,’ she answered lamely”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adverb

lamely (comparative more lamely, superlative most lamely)

In the manner of one who is lame.

(colloquial) In a foolish or ineffective way.

Anagrams

• Malley, maleyl, mellay

Source: Wiktionary

Lame"ly, adv. Etym: [See Lame.]

Definition: An a lame, crippled, disabled, or imperfect manner; as, to walk lamely; a figure lamely drawn.

LAME

Lame, a. [Compar. Lamer; superl. Lamest.] Etym: [OE. lame, AS. lama; akin to D. lam, G. lahm,OHG., Dan., & Sw. lam, Icel. lami, Russ. lomate to break, lomota rheumatism.]

1. (a) Moving with pain or difficulty on account of injury, defect, or temporary obstruction of a function; as, a lame leg, arm, or muscle. (b) To some degree disabled by reason of the imperfect action of a limb; crippled; as, a lame man. "Lame of one leg." Arbuthnot. "Lame in both his feet." 2 Sam. ix. 13. "He fell, and became lame." 2 Sam. iv. 4.

2. Hence, hobbling; limping; inefficient; imperfect. "A lame endeavor." Barrow. O, most lame and impotent conclusion! Shak. Lame duck (stock Exchange), a person who can not fulfill his contracts. [Cant]

Lame, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lamed; p. pr. & vb. n. Laming.]

Definition: To make lame. If you happen to let child fall and lame it. Swift.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition