Proudly (adv.) In the manner or state of 1: feeling or showing pride, such as (a): having or displaying excessive self-esteem, (b): much pleased : EXULTANT, (c): having proper self-respect; 2: (a): marked by stateliness : MAGNIFICENT (b): giving reason for pride : GLORIOUS, such as the proudest moment in her life; 3: VIGOROUS, SPIRITED, such as a proud steed. The meaning of proud: (1) late Old English prutlice "arrogantly, haughtily;" from proud (adj.) + -ly; (2) meaning "with lofty mien or conscious honor" is attested by 1753. The "Adverbly" series celebrates the almighty modifier of verbs and adjectives. Here, a wise old owl carved into the moulding of an old Cleveland hotel on Millionaires Row "proudly" stands guard among images of watercolor flora gleaned from the public domain and the upturned stump of a fallen hundred-year white oak.