Middle English Dictionary Entry

elles adv.
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Entry Info

Forms elles adv. Also alles, ells, ills, el(le.
Etymology elles from OE elles; elle from ON, cp. OI ella, reduced form of el-liga(r.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1a.
As an alternative; as another choice or possibility; otherwise; -- often after or, and. Modifying (a) a predicate, (b) an adv. expression; (c) introducing a sentence.
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1b.
or elles..or elles, either..or.
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1c.
In addition, also.
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2.
In additional ways or respects.
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3.
In a different way or manner, by other means, with different results; differently, otherwise; also otherwise elles.
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4.
Under other circumstances, otherwise;--usually at the head of the sentence, and sometimes accompanied by a but or but if ('unless') clause; sometimes following and, or, for.
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5.
In or to some other place; elsewhere.
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6.
After an indef. adv. of place, such as nouther, no-wher, som-wher,: other than (the place mentioned).
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7.
Compounds: elleswhan, ~ what, ~ wher, ~ whither, q. v.
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