Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Only?

\On"ly\, a. [OE. only, anly, onlich, AS. [=a]nlic, 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; pre["e]minent; chief. ``Motley's the only wear.'' --Shak.
\On"ly\, adv. [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.
\On"ly\, conj. 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.