"extremely cautiously" (of movements, etc.), c. 1600, earlier "elegantly, daintily" (1510s), of unknown origin. Perhaps [OED] from Old French gensor, comparative of gent "dainty, delicate," from Latin gentius "(well)-born" (see gentle). Meaning "extremely cautiously" is from c. 1600.
gingerly I raised the edge of the blanket
they proceeded with gingerly footwork over the jagged stones
gimp
gimpy
gin
ginger
gingerbread
gingerly
gingham
gingival
gingivitis
gink
ginkgo
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