'backwardly' originates from the Old English word 'bæcweard,' where 'bæc' meant 'back' and 'weard' meant 'toward.'

'bæcweard' transformed into the Middle English word 'backward,' and eventually became the modern English word 'backwardly.'

Initially, it meant 'toward the back,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'in a manner that is behind or in reverse.'