in a tight or constricted manner; " a tightly packed pub"

In a tight manner; closely; nearly.

In a tight manner.

He took her hand in his and held it tightly. – Green Fancy by George Barr McCutcheon

Every other one was drawn tightly, save two, for Aunt Winnie and her friend and Ned, who had come back, were the only passengers still out of their berths. – Dorothy Dale in the City by Margaret Penrose

" Not exactly," the detective said tightly. – Anything You Can Do ... by Gordon Randall Garrett

Marcello glanced at her, and clasped his hands over his knee more tightly than ever. – Whosoever Shall Offend by F. Marion Crawford

Mrs. Botts knew that the net was closing tightly about her. – Ghost Beyond the Gate by Mildred A. Wirt

Ice- cold fingers gripped hers tightly. – Prudence of the Parsonage by Ethel Hueston

" Now hold on tightly, and you won't fall," said the Elephant. – The Story of a Stuffed Elephant by Laura Lee Hope

Then pressing his hands tightly over his mouth, he tried the experiment of holding his breath as long as possible. – Homestead on the Hillside by Mary Jane Holmes

He was tall and broad; the lines of his uniform fitted tightly to his figure. – An Unknown Lover by Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey

Even when Steve had his arms gripped tightly about Marvin's knees, the latter was almost always able to somehow make another yard or two before he was willing to call " Down!" – Left End Edwards by Ralph Henry Barbour

It took hardly an instant before it was wound tightly round him. – One Maid's Mischief by George Manville Fenn

He stepped forward, took her hand, and held it very tightly. – The Loudwater Mystery by Edgar Jepson

His nose was tightly held and his collar removed. – Patsy by S. R. Crockett

They seem to think it is not built tightly enough for an ice- chest. – Remarks by Bill Nye

She locked her fingers very tightly together. – The Keeper of the Door by Ethel M. Dell

Lady Newhaven rose, and held Rachel tightly in her arms. – Red Pottage by Mary Cholmondeley

" Well, we are going in," said Alexia, holding her tightly, " and I'm glad of it, Polly. – Five Little Peppers at School by Margaret Sidney

Fires are built in all sleeping rooms when it is cold, and the rooms all close tightly with a door. – The Bontoc Igorot by Albert Ernest Jenks

Her fingers caught tightly about Paul's stout arm, but she would have been more at home she thought with Uncle Mathew just then. – The Captives by Hugh Walpole