pugnaciously
English
[edit]Etymology
[edit]From pugnacious + -ly. Attested since the early 19th century.
Adverb
[edit]pugnaciously (comparative more pugnaciously, superlative most pugnaciously)
- In an aggressive or combative manner.
- 1950, Norman Lindsay, Dust or Polish?, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 62:
- Moreover, in using it he waggled his scalp at her in a way that made his crest of hair bristle up pugnaciously, as if proposing combat with her on the spot.