Chapter Diprotodon to Direption of D by Webster's Dictionary (1913 Edition)

5. Straightforwardly; honestly.

I have dealt most directly in thy affair.

Shak.

6. Manifestly; openly. [Obs.]

Desdemona is directly in love with him.

Shak.

7. Straightway; next in order; without delay; immediately. "Will she go now to bed?' Directly.'" Shak.

8. Immediately after; as soon as.

Directly he stopped, the coffin was removed.

Dickens.

This use of the word is common in England, especially in colloquial speech, but it can hardly be regarded as a well-sanctioned or desirable use.

Directly proportional (Math.), proportional in the order of the terms; increasing or decreasing together, and with a constant ratio; — opposed to inversely proportional.

Syn. — Immediately; forthwith; straightway; instantly; instantaneously; soon; promptly; openly; expressly. — Directly, Immediately, Instantly, Instantaneously. Directly denotes, without any delay or diversion of attention; immediately implies, without any interposition of other occupation; instantly implies, without any intervention of time. Hence, "I will do it directly," means, "I will go straightway about it." "I will do it immediately," means, "I will do it as the very next thing." "I will do it instantly," allows not a particle of delay. Instantaneously, like instantly, marks an interval too small to be appreciable, but commonly relates to physical causes; as, the powder touched by fire instantaneously exploded.

Directness
(Di*rect"ness) n. The quality of being direct; straightness; straightforwardness; immediateness.

Director
(Di*rect"or) n. [Cf. F. directeur.]

1. One who, or that which, directs; one who regulates, guides, or orders; a manager or superintendent.

In all affairs thou sole director.

Swift.

2. One of a body of persons appointed to manage the affairs of a company or corporation; as, the directors of a bank, insurance company, or railroad company.

What made directors cheat in South-Sea year?

Pope.

3. (Mech.) A part of a machine or instrument which directs its motion or action.

4. (Surg.) A slender grooved instrument upon which a knife is made to slide when it is wished to limit the extent of motion of the latter, or prevent its injuring the parts beneath.

Directorate
(Di*rect"o*rate) n. [Cf. F. directorat.] The office of director; also, a body of directors taken jointly.

Directorial
(Di*rec*to"ri*al) a. [Cf. F. directorial.]

1. Having the quality of a director, or authoritative guide; directive.

2. Pertaining to: director or directory; specifically, relating to the Directory of France under the first republic. See Directory, 3.

Whoever goes to the directorial presence under this passport.

Burke.