The comparative form of 'godly'; more devout, pious, or showing greater reverence for God.
From 'godly' (Old English 'godlic', meaning 'divine' or 'pious') + comparative suffix '-er'. Originally meant 'god-like' but came to mean 'devout' or 'religious.'
Puritans obsessed over ranking people's godliness—sermons would describe some people as 'godlier' than others, creating a spiritual social hierarchy that influenced everything from business dealings to marriage prospects.
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