Entry 2 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913 Meanly · Mean·ly · IPA /ˈmiːnli/ adv. adv. 01 adv. Moderately. 1. Moderately.[Obs.] “A man meanly learned himself, but not meanly affectioned to set forward learning in others.” — Ascham. 02 adv. In a mean manner; unworthily; basely; poorly; ungenerously. 1. In a mean manner; unworthily; basely; poorly; ungenerously. “While the heaven-born child All meanly wrapt in the rude manger lies.” — Milton. “Would you meanly thus rely On power you know I must obey ?” — Prior. “We can not bear to have others think meanly of them [our kindred].” — I. Watts.