Definition of "barely"

It becomes, therefore, no inconsiderable part of science barely to know the different operations of mind,

1748, [David Hume], Philosophical Essays Concerning Human Understanding, London: […] A[ndrew] Millar, […]

‘It is barely possible you may hear of a ghost, a Phantom of the Opera!’

1925, Walter Anthony and Tom Reed (titles), Rupert Julian (director), The Phantom of the Opera, silent movie

As our train to Paris dashed through the labyrynthine flyovers at Porchefontaine, barely a mile from Versailles, the 75 m.p.h. limit was already almost attained.

1961 November, H. G. Ellison, P. G. Barlow, “Journey through France: Part One”, in Trains Illustrated, page 670

In contrast to what was to come, City were barely allowed any time to settle on the ball in the opening exchanges, with Ashley Young prominent and drawing heavy fouls from Micah Richards and James Milner.

2011 October 23, Phil McNulty, “Man Utd 1 - 6 Man City”, in BBC Sport‎

Now that fire do's not alwayes barely separate the Elementary parts, but sometimes at least alter also the Ingredients of Bodies […]

1661, Robert Boyle, The Sceptical Chymist, page 29