Seyntly

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Showing the holy, virtuous character associated with a saint, as used in older English writing
2. Possessing the sanctity and moral goodness of a holy person in the manner of medieval English
3. Pious and holy in conduct, befitting one who is revered as a saint in early English texts

Etymology: "Seyntly" is an Middle English adjective meaning "saintly," formed from "seynt," the Middle English form of "saint," plus the suffix "-ly," which turns a noun into an adjective describing its qualities. The root "seynt" came into English through Old French "saint" from Latin "sanctus," meaning "holy" or "consecrated," a past participle of "sancire," "to make sacred." The "-ly" suffix is native English, descending from Old English "-lic," which is related to "lich," meaning "body" or "form," so that "seyntly" literally means "having the form or appearance of a saint." This is a straightforward formation, and the spelling with "ey" reflects how Middle English writers rendered the vowel in "saint" before spelling conventions settled. Because "seyntly" was a regular formation rather than a coinage, it is attested in Middle English texts but never became a standard modern word, and "saintly" replaced it as the spelling and form took hold.

Synonyms: holy, pious, godly, devout, virtuous

Antonyms: sinful, wicked, ungodly, profane, impious