On"ly (?), a. [OE. only, anly, onlich, AS. anlic, 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; preeminent; chief. "Motley's the only wear."
Shak.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913. | 
