felly

Definitions

from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

  • noun The circular rim of a wheel, into which the outer ends of the spokes are inserted; in the plural, the curved pieces of wood which, joined together by dowel-pins, form the circumference or circular rim of a cart- or carriage-wheel, each receiving the end of at least one spoke.
  • adverb In a fell manner; cruelly; grimly; fiercely; ruthlessly.

  • noun A man (short for 'fellow').

Examples

  • “That could be done with the spokes, not with the hub; and the felly is in a bad state, too.”

    Les Miserables

  • In the ordinary position, this shoe, which is fixed to a spring, bears against the felly of the wheel and stops the jack through friction.

    Scientific American Supplement, No. 447, July 26, 1884

  • And with all the mad inconsistency of rage, which mixes small things and great, he tore the purse out of Leonard's hand: then seized him felly by the throat.

    The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 17, No. 103, May, 1866

  • As I say, I'm interested in pickin' up a few stocks on 'change; but, to tell you the truth, I'm more interested in findin' some clever young felly like yourself through whom I can work.

    The Financier, a novel

Note

The word 'felly' comes from Old English 'felg'; the sense 'in a fwell manner comes from 'fell' + '-ly'; the 'fellow' sense is a shortening of that word.