Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MEAN-LY, adv. [See Mean.]

1. Moderately; not in a great degree. In the reign of Domitian, poetry was meanly cultivated. [Not used.] Dryden.
2. Without dignity or rank; in a low condition; as, meanly born.
3. Poorly; as, meanly dressed.
4. Without greatness or elevation of mind; without honor; with a low mind or narrow views. He meanly declines to fulfill his promise. Would you meanly thus rely / On power, you know, I must obey? Prior.
5. Without respect; disrespectfully. We can not bear to hear others speak meanly of our kindred.