Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VAIN'LY, adv.

1. Without effect; to no purpose; ineffectually; in vain. In weak complaints you vainly waste your breath. – Dryden.
2. Boastingly; with vaunting; proudly; arrogantly. Humility teaches us not to think vainly nor vauntingly of ourselves. – Delany.
3. Idly; foolishly. Nor vainly hope to be invulnerable. – Milton.