Mas"ter*ly, a.
1.
Suitable to, or characteristic of, a master; indicating thorough knowledge or superior skill and power; showing a master's hand; as, a masterly design; a masterly performance; a masterly policy.
"A wise and
masterly inactivity."
Sir J. Mackintosh.
2.
Imperious; domineering; arbitrary.
© Webster 1913.
Mas"ter*ly, adv.
With the skill of a master.
Thou dost speak masterly.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.