On"ly , conj. 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.
On"ly (?), adv. [See
Only, a.]
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. "She being only wicked." Beau. & Fl.
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.
On"ly (?), a. [OE. only, anly, onlich, AS. ānlic, i.e., onelike. See One, and Like, a.]
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. Hence, figuratively: Alone, by reason of superiority; preëminent; chief. "Motley's the
only wear."
Shak.
Hear it pronounced