Noah Webster
Poorly
POOR'LY, adverb Without wealth; in indigence or want of the conveniences and comforts of life; as, to live poorly
1. With little or no success; with little growth, profit or advantage; as, wheat grows poorly on the Atlantic borders of New England; these men have succeeded poorly in business.
2. Meanly; without spirit.
Nor is their courage or their wealth so low,
That from his wars they poorly would retire.
3. Without excellence or dignity. He performs poorly in elevated characters.
POOR'LY, adjective Somewhat ill; indisposed; not in health; a common use of the word in America.
For three or four weeks past I have lost ground, having been poorly in health.