“only” – English explanatory dictionary

adj without others of the same type ○ Don’t break it – it’s the only one I’ve got. ■ adv 1. with no one or nothing else ○ We’ve only got ten pounds between us. ○ Only an accountant can deal with this problem. ○ This lift is for staff only. 2. as recently as ○ We saw her only last week. ○ Only yesterday the bank phoned for information. ■ conj but, except ○ I like my mother-in-law very much, only I don’t want to see her every day of the week. § only just almost not § only too very much

a. [OE. only, anly, onlich, AS. anlic, i.e., onelike. See One, and Like, a.]
1. One alone; single; as the only man present; his only occupation.
2. Alone in its class; by itself; not associated with others of the same class or kind; as an only child.
3. Hence, figuratively: Alone, by reason of superiority; preëminent; chief. ´Motley’s the only wear.´ Shak.

adv. [See Only, a.]
1. In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely. “And to be loved himself, needs only to be known.” Dryden.
2. So and no otherwise; no other than; exclusively; solely; wholly. ´She being only wicked.´ Beau. & Fl. “Every imagination … of his heart was only evil.” Gen. vi. 5.
3. Singly; without more; as only- begotten.
4. Above all others; particularly. [Obs.] “His most only elected mistress.” Marston.

conj. Save or except (that); — an adversative used elliptically with or without that, and properly introducing a single fact or consideration. “He might have seemed some secretary or clerk … only that his low, flat, unadorned cap … indicated that he belonged to the city.” Sir W. Scott.