Comely, a. [Compar. Comelier; superl. Comeliest.]
Etymology: [OE. comeliche, AS. cymlic; cyme suitable (fr. cuman to come, become) + lic like.]
1. Pleasing or agreeable to the sight; well-proportioned; good- looking; handsome. He that is comely when old and decrepit, surely was very beautiful when he was young. South. Not once perceive their foul disfigurement But boast themselves more comely than before. Milton.
2. Suitable or becoming; proper; agreeable. This is a happier and more comely time Than when these fellows ran about the streets, Crying confusion. Shak. It is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. Ps. cxlvii. 1.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Comely, adv.
In a becoming manner. Ascham.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for comely; he lists it under beautiful, becoming.
Where he writes about it:
Comely denotes an aspect that is smooth, genial, and wholesome, with a certain fulness of contour and pleasing symmetry, tho falling short of the beautiful; as, a comely matron. — from beautiful