MERE
Mere, v. t.
Defn: To divide, limit, or bound. [Obs.]
Which meared her rule with Africa. Spenser.
MERE
Mere, n.
Defn: A mare. [Obs.] Chaucer.
MERE
Mere, a. [Superl. Merest. The comparative is rarely or never used.]
Etym: [L. merus.]
1. Unmixed; pure; entire; absolute; unqualified. Then entered they the mere, main sea. Chapman. The sorrows of this world would be mere and unmixed. Jer. Taylor.
2. Only this, and nothing else; such, and no more; simple; bare; as,
a mere boy; a mere form.
From mere success nothing can be concluded in favor of any nation.
Atterbury.
MERELY
Mere"ly, adv.
1. Purely; unmixedly; absolutely. Ulysses was to force forth his access, Though merely naked. Chapman.
2. Not otherwise than; simply; barely; only. Prize not your life for other ends Than merely to obige your friends. Swift.