Emily Dickinson Lexicon

POOR'LY, adv.

1. Without wealth; in indigence or want of the conveniences and comforts of life; as, to live poorly. – Sidney.
2. 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.
3. Meanly; without spirit. Nor is their courage or their wealth so low, / That from his wars they poorly would retire. – Dryden.
4. Without excellence or dignity. He performs poorly in elevated characters.