Comely

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈkÊŒmli/

Origin

Old English cȳmlīċ, from cȳme ("fine, exquisite").

Full definition of comely

Adjective

1. (dated, of a person) Pleasing or attractive to the eye.
• SouthHe that is comely when old and decrepit, surely was very beautiful when he was young.
• MiltonNot once perceive their foul disfigurement
  But boast themselves more comely than before.
• 1918, Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Land That Time Forgot (novel), Chapter IXThe chief's name was To-jo, and his household consisted of seven females and himself. These women were much more comely, or rather less hideous than those of Tsa's people; one of them, even, was almost pretty, being less hairy and having a rather nice skin, with high coloring.
2. (archaic) Suitable or becoming; proper; agreeable.
• ShakespeareThis is a happier and more comely time
  Than when these fellows ran about the streets,
  Crying confusion.
• Bible, Psalms cxlvii. 1It is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

Synonyms

• pulchritudinous

Antonyms

• (of a person) homely

Derived terms

• comeliness