Only — Defs

01 a. One alone; single; as, the only man present; his only occupation.

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.
Alone, by reason of superiority; preeminent; chief.(figuratively)

02 adv. In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely.

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.
“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.

03 conj. Save or except (that); -- an adversative used elliptically with or without that, and properly introducing a single fact or consideration.

1.
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.