gingerly UK /ˈdʒɪn(d)ʒəli/US /ˈd͡ʒɪnd͡ʒɚli/adjective 2adverb 2forms 4 adjective2 •Often of movements: very careful, cautious, or delicate.But, ther's somethin' in the very look and voice of Jeems Strebling, even in his gingerly walk, that riles all the black drop in me. — 1867 •(no longer used) Often of a person or the way they move: dainty, delicate; also, excessively delicate; affected, mincing.All yᵉ rest of my trimmest, tricksiest, gingerliest ioyes, / But very taedious and most odious toyes? — 1573 adverb2 •In a cautious and delicate manner; (very) carefully or cautiously.He placed the glass jar gingerly on the concrete step. •(no longer used) Chiefly of dancing or walking: done with small, dainty steps; daintily; also, with excessive delicacy; affectedly, mincingly.Oh! she lookes so sugredly, so simpringly, so gingerly, so amarously, so amiably. […] [She] is such an intycing shee-vvitch, carrying the charmes of your Ievvels about her. Oh! — 1604 formsgingerlier · more gingerly · gingerliest · most gingerly
