stiffly

From Middle English stifly, styfly; equivalent to stiff +‎ -ly.

• IPA^(key): /ˈstɪfli/

stiffly (comparative more stiffly, superlative most stiffly)

1. In a stiff manner.
   • 1898, J. Meade Falkner, Moonfleet Chapter 5

     'Twas Mr. Glennie who first moved to seek me; for when the second day came that I was not at school, he thought that I was ill, and went to my aunt's to ask how I did, as was his wont when any ailed. But Aunt Jane answered him stiffly that she could not say how I did.

   • 1956 [1880], Johanna Spyri, Heidi, translation of original by Eileen Hall, page 86:

     'Very well, Clara,' she said stiffly, 'but I shall also speak to your father.'

stiffly

1. Alternative form of stifly