Middle English Dictionary Entry

sō adv.
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Entry Info

Forms sō adv. Also soe, (late) sso, sow, (K) zo, (chiefly N) sa, (chiefly early) se, (early) seo & (early or SM) swo, suo, swoa, sswo, (early SEM) swuo, (K) zuo, (chiefly early or N) swa, sua, (NWM) squa, (early SWM) sva, (pseudo-N) swaie, (early SWM) swe & (errors) fo, s. Contractions: savese (so avise), sis (so his).
Etymology OE swā̆, suā, swǣ, swē, sē̆.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: Cp. also adv., as conj.
1a.
(a) In the aforesaid manner or way, in the way previously described, in this way, in such a way, in the same way; (b) modifying verbs of saying, thinking, etc.: as previously expressed; what has just been expressed; (c) ~ don, don ~, to act in the aforesaid manner, perform a previously described action; (d) ~ ben, ben ~, to be the case as previously described, be as already indicated; -- usu. with hit: hit is (was, etc.) ~; ~ be hit, be hit ~, let it be so; also, amen; ~ mai ben, perhaps, possibly; (e) modifying an aux. verb in an ellipt. construction; (f) indicating one of two or more alternatives: in this particular way (as opposed to that way); ~ or ~ or ~, in this way or that way, in one manner or another; thus or ~, in that way or in this way.
Show 87 Quotations
1b.
(a) Followed by a clause of result: ~..that, ~ that, in such a way (..) that as a result, in such a manner (..) that as a consequence; (b) without that in following clause of result; (c) followed by an inf. phrase: in such a way (as to do sth., to do sth.).
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2a.
(a) In the following manner, as will be stated; (b) followed by an explanatory clause: ~..that, ~ that; (c) without that in following explanatory clause; (d) introducing a direct quotation.
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2b.
As pred.compl. of ben: (a) as follows; (b) followed by an explanatory clause: ~ ben that, ben ~ that, ben ~..that, to be the case that; -- usu. with hit: if (hit) ~ be that, if hit be ~ that, if (hit) ~ were that; (c) without that in following explanatory clause.
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3a.
As quasi-pron.: (a) representing a preceding noun: such, that; also, representing a preceding pron.: he, that person [quot. c1390 Chaucer]; ben called (cleped, named) ~, to be called by that name; (b) representing a preceding clause: that, such; not ~; than ~, than what has been expressed; whi ~; (c) representing a preceding adj.: of that nature, as described; finden (holden) ~, to consider (sb.) to be such; (d) representing a preceding verb, verb plus compl., or ppl.; (e) used ellipt. in an affirmative answer: yes, that one; (f) don ~ and (or) ~, to do such and such, do one thing or another; (g) and ~, and the like.
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3b.
Confirming a previous statement: indeed; (and) ~ don.
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4.
In comb. with a ppl.: (a) in the aforesaid manner, thus; in the described or specified way; (b) ~ called (cleped, named), called by that name.
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5.
Indicating parallelism between two actions, states, etc.: likewise, similarly, correspondingly: (a) introducing a clause: and) ~; right ~; (b) introducing a clause: and) ~ don; (c) introducing a phrase: and) ~; and) ~ forth, and likewise, and so on; et cetera [see also forth adv. 9.(b)]; (d) modifying an adj. or a ppl. as adj.: equally, similarly.
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6.
(a) Then, at that time; in due course; afterward, after this; afterward ~, then in due course; right ~, just then; immediately; thanne ~, then afterward; (b) as a narrative connector beginning a clause; (c) as a narrative connector introducing a noun, an inf., or a phrase; (d) in correl. constructions [cp. 24a.(d)]: thanne (tho, whan)..~, when..then; also, when..at the same time [last quot.]; while that..~, while..at that time.
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7.
(a) As a result, consequently, for that reason; therefore, accordingly; (b) introducing a clause: and) ~; (c) introducing an interj.: ~ weilawei, alas, therefore; (d) in correl. constructions [cp. 22a.(f)]: ~..for, accordingly..because; for..~, because..as a result; if..~, if..then; (e) in comb. with a ppl.
Show 38 Quotations
8.
(a) To such an extent, so much; greatly, to a great extent; if he be never ~ mi fo, however great an enemy he may be to me; (b) followed by a clause of result: ~..that, ~ that, to such an extent (..) that as a result, so greatly (..) that as a consequence; ~..~ that, so greatly..that; (c) without that in following clause of result; (d) with reversal of main clause and clause of result and without that; (e) after..~, according to (sth.)..to that extent; after that..~, according to whether..to that extent.
Show 40 Quotations
9a.
As an intensive in an affirmative clause: so very, exceedingly, extremely, to such a marked degree or extent: (a) modifying an adv. or adv. phrase; (b) modifying a pred.adj.; (c) modifying a pred.adj., ppl. as adj., or an adv. plus adj. in a ben clause; (d) modifying an adj., or an adv. plus ppl. as adj., and preceded by a noun; also modifying an adj. and preceded by a pron.; (e) ~ muche (muchel), so greatly; (f) ~ longe, such a long time, for such a long time; ~ longe..til (til that, a-þat, oth-that), for such a long time..until.
Show 68 Quotations
9b.
In a negative clause with implied comparison: equally, similarly, to the same degree or extent: (a) modifying an adv.; (b) modifying a pred.adj. in a ben clause; (c) modifying an adj. and preceded by a noun or pronoun.
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9c.
In a negative sbj. clause, esp. with ben, modifying an adj. or adv.: never ~, no matter how, however [see also never adv. 2.(b)]; also, modifying an adj. qualifying a noun: however (much pain) [2nd quot.]; ne be ye ~ mani, however many you are.
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10a.
As a modifier, followed by a clause of result: ~..that, to such an extent or degree..that as a result: (a) modifying an adv. or adv. phrase; (b) modifying a pred. adj. or ppl.; (c) without that in following clause of result; (d) ~ muche (muchel)..that, ~ muche (muchel) that, to such an extent (..) that, so greatly (..) that; (e) ~ longe..that, ~ longe that, for such a long time (..) that; until; -- also without that in following clause of result; (f) modifying a prep. phrase: ~ like..that, so similar to (sb.)..that.
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10b.
As a modifier in a ben clause, followed by a clause of result: ~..that, to such an extent or degree..that as a result: (a) modifying an adj., a ppl., or an adv. plus adj. or ppl.; also with ~ that in following clause [1st quot.]; (b) without that in following clause of result; (c) without ben; also without ben and that in following clause of result; (d) ben ~ muche (muchel)..that, ben so muche that.
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10c.
(a) Modifying an adj., or an adv. plus a ppl., in a negative ben clause, followed by a clause of result: ben ~..that, to be sufficiently..that as a result; -- also without ben; (b) modifying an adj. in a ben clause, followed by an inf.: sufficiently..(as to do sth.), sufficiently..(to be sth.); ben ~..as (for) to; -- also without ben; (c) modifying an adv., followed by an inf.: sufficiently..(to have done sth.).
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10d.
As a modifier, with reversal of main clause and clause of result and without that: to such an extent or degree: (a) modifying an adv.; also modifying a pred. adj.; (b) modifying an adj. or a ppl. in a ben clause.
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11a.
Modifying an adj., or an adv. plus adj. or ppl. as adj., qualifying a noun: such a, such; also, equally: (a) followed by an adj., or an adv. plus adj., and a noun; ~..as; hou-ever ~, however, no matter how; (b) followed by an adj., a, and a noun; ~..a..as; (c) preceded by a or non and followed by an adj. and a noun; also, preceded by on and followed by a ppl. as adj., a, and a noun; non ~..as.
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11b.
As a modifier, followed by a clause of result: ~..that, such (a)..that as a result: (a) followed by an adj., or a ppl. as adj., and a noun; also without that in following clause of result; (b) followed by an adj., a, and a noun; also preceded by non; also without that in following clause of result; (c) preceded by non and followed by an adj. and a noun; (d) followed by a, an adj., and a noun; also without that in following clause of result; (e) as quasi-adj. modifying a noun, with so) that in following clause of result.
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11c.
Modifying selected terms of quantity, extent, etc.: (a) ~ fele (mani), such a large number of (things, persons); ~ lite (litel), such a small amount of (sth.); ~ muche (muchel), such a large amount of (sth.); such great (sth.); also, such a large number of (people); (b) ~ feue a, such a small (thing), so small a; ~ muchel a, such a great (thing), so great a; such an important (person); (c) modifying mani, muche, or muchel and preceded by a noun; (d) followed by a clause of result: ~ mani..that, ~ muche (muchel)..that; -- also without that in following clause; also with reversal of clauses and without that; (e) ~ fele (mani), that number of (things, persons), an equal number of; ~ muche, a similar quantity of (sth.); (f) as quasi-adj. modifying a noun of quantity: ~ feue, such a small number; ~ litel, such a small amount; ~ muche (muchel), such a large amount, so much; also, a certain sum of money [quot. c1384]; also, followed by a clause of result: ~ muche (muchel)..that; -- also without that in following clause; in ~ muche [see in so muche adv.]; don ~ muche, to do so much; also, do that much (for the sake of sb.); (g) with a comparative: ~ muche, ~ muche (muchel) the, to that extent (the; commensurately.
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11d.
Modifying selected advs. of distance or extent: (a) ~ fer, so far away, at such a distance; for such a great distance; also, followed by a clause of result: ~ fer that, for such a distance that as a result; (b) ~ fer (forth), to such an extent; also, followed by a clause of result: ~ fer (fer-forth, forth) that, to such an extent that as a result; -- also without that; ~ fer and ~ forth that, ~ forth and ~ fer that; (c) ~ fer, up to the present time.
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12.
In misc. adv. senses: (a) in this condition or state; -- also followed by a clause of result [quot. ?a1425, 1st]; ben ~ that, to be in such condition that; (b) in this respect; (c) also, moreover; and ~, and also, as well as; ~ the fet and the hondes, ?both feet and hands; (d) and ~, and in the same way as the aforesaid, and like that; (e) modifying an adj.: how, to what extent; (f) in that direction; (g)~ ~, moderately well; not but ~, indifferently; (h) in compound adv.: ~ theigh [OE swā þēah], nevertheless, yet, however.
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13.
As conj. or as part of a compound conj. or conjunctive phrase: (a) as, in the manner that, in the same way as; (b) in comparisons: as, in the same way as; -- also without verb; also following an adv. [quots.Bestiary609 & a1425]; al-right ~, just as; (c)~ ~, as, in the manner that, in the same way as; in comparison: as, in the same way as; ~ ~ that water renneth, following the course of that stream; (d) ~ sum, al-right (righte) ~ sum, just as, even as; (e) ~ like (as, just as; (f) swich ~, swich..~, such as, such..as.
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14.
As conj. or as part of a compound conj. or conjunctive phrase: (a) insofar as, inasmuch as, to the extent that; (b) ~ ~, insofar as; also, if; (c) ~ as, as, just as; insofar as; (d) ~ as that, ~ that as, because, inasmuch as; (e) ~ fer..sum, insofar as.
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15.
As conj. or as part of a compound conj.: (a) while, during the time that, as long as; ~ that, when; (b) until; ~ that.
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16.
As conj. or as part of a compound conj. or conjunctive phrase: (a) as if, as though; ~ ~, as though; -- also construed with ppl. [1st quot.]; ~ sum, as though; righte ~, just as if; (b) ~ as, ~ ~, ~ that, even though, although; ~ if, even ~ though, even if; (c) however, no matter how.
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17.
As conj. or as part of a compound conj.: (a) with the result that; also, in order that; (b) ~ that, with the result that; also, to the end that, in order that; (c) and ~ that, and as a result, and consequently.
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18.
As conj. or as part of a compound conj. or conjunctive phrase: (a) on condition that, provided that, as long as; (b) ~ that, on condition that, provided that; (c) bi ~ (that, provided that, as long as [see also bi conj. 2.(a)]; (d) ~ never, nevertheless, however, but never; ~ never-the-later (ne-the-les) if, as long as, on condition that; ac ~, however, but nevertheless; but ~ that, unless; (e) for ~ muche that [see for-so-much adv. & conj.]; in ~ muche (muchel) that [see in so muche adv.]; to (unto) ~ muchel that, to such a degree that.
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19a.
In correl. constructions: (a) as adv. in main (or major subordinate) clause and as conj. in subordinate clause: ~..~ (~, in such a way..as, thus..as; also with inf. phrase in place of subordinate clause; (b) as conj. in subordinate clause and as adv. in main clause: ~..~, as..in the same manner; (c) as conj. in subordinate clause and as adv. in main clause: ~ ~..~, as..in the same manner; (d) as adv. in main clause and as conj. in subordinate clause: ~..~, in such a way..that as a result; (e) as quasi-prep. governing a noun and as adv. in main clause: ~ ~..~; (f) as correlative conj. joining clauses, nouns, or adjectives: ~..~, either..or, whether..or.
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19b.
In correl. constructions: (a) as adv. modifying an adv. in main clause and as conj. in subordinate clause: ~..~, as..as; also, ?so..because [last quot.]; (b) as adv. modifying an adj. or a ppl. in main (or major subordinate) clause and as conj. in subordinate clause: ~..~, to such an extent or degree..as, as..as, so..as; also, as..as if [quot. Lay.Brut, 1st]; (c) in comparisons, as adv. modifying an adv. or adj. and as quasi-prep. governing a noun or pron.: ~..~ (~, as..as; (d) in comparisons, as adv. modifying an adj. followed by a noun and as quasi-prep. governing a noun or pron.: ~..~, such..as, as..as; also with conj. in subordinate clause [1st quot.]; (e) modifying an adj.: ~..swich, as..as if; also, with quasi-prep. governing a noun: as..as [1st quot.].
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19c.
In correl. constructions with selected terms of quantity, extent, etc.: (a) ~ muchel ~, as important as; as large as; (b) ~ muchel..~, as great an amount of (sth.)..as; ~ muchel..swich, as great an amount of (sth.)..as if; (c) ~ mani..~, such a great number of (things)..such as; ~ muchel..~, such a large number of (people)..such as; (d) ~ fele ~, ~ mani..~, as great a number as, as many..as; ~ muchel ~, as great an amount as; also, ?with correl. sense: mani..~, as many..as; (e) ~ fele ~, such a great number such as; ~ muche (muchel) ~, ~ muchel..~, such a great amount (..) such as; (f) ~ fele, as many as; (g) ~ muchel ~, to such an extent as, as much as; ~ muchel ~..~ muchel, as much as..so much; ~ muchel..~ (muchel ~, as much..as.
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20.
In correl. constructions or with correl. sense as part of a conjunctive phrase [some quots. difficult to distinguish from those in 19b.(a)]: (a) ~ rathe (sone) ~, ~ rathe ~..~, as soon as [see also rathe adv. (c)]; (b) ~ sone, an-on (forth-right) ~, sone (an-on) ~, as soon as, when, immediately after; an-on (sone) ~..~, as soon as..then, when..then; (c) ~ longe ~, as long as, while; also, however long; (d) ~ wide (~, however far, however widely, wherever; (e) ~ forth ~, as far as.
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21.
In correl. constructions, linking comparatives: (a) with clauses: ever) ~..~, to the extent..to that extent; also with implied comparative in second clause [quot. c1230(?a1200)]; (b) with comp.advs.: ever) ~..~, ~..the, the..the; also with comp.adv. and clause [quot. a1250, 1st]; (c) ~ muche the..~, ~ muchel..~ (muchel, to that extent (the)..as; also with implied comparative in second clause: ~ muchel..~ muchel ~ [2nd quot.]; (d) hou muche more..~ muche lesse (more), the more..to that extent the less (the more).
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22a.
In correl. constructions with as [some examples of ~ as may represent a compound conj.; cp. sense 14.(c)]: (a) as adv. in main (or major subordinate) clause: ~ as, ~..as, in such a way as, in the same manner as; in this way..as, thus..as; righte ~..righte as; (b) as adv. in major subordinate clause: ~ as, ~..as if, in such a way (..) as if; (c) as conj. in subordinate clause: ~..as, just as..so; (d) as adv.: ~..as, in such a way..like (sth.); also, as quasi-prep.: ~ as (and, like (sb.), in the same way as; (e) as adv.: ~..as, so greatly..as (sb. to do sth.); (f) as adv. in main clause: ~..as, accordingly..as; (g) as adv. in main clause: ~..as, to such an extent..that.
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22b.
In correl. constructions with as: (a) as adv. modifying an adv. in main clause with as as conj. in subordinate clause: ~..as, as..as; (b) as adv. modifying an adj. or a ppl. in main (or major subordinate) clause with as as conj. in subordinate clause: ~..as, as..as; ~..as though, as..as if; (c) in comparisons, as adv. modifying an adv. or adj. with as as quasi-prep. governing a noun or pron.: ~..as, as..as; to nought ~ god as to, for nothing so fit as for (the fire of hell); (d) as adv. modifying a ppl.: ~..as, even..as; (e) as adv. modifying a prep. phrase: ~..as, both..as well as; (f) as quasi-adj. modifying a noun in main clause with as as conj. in subordinate clause: ~..as, as..as.
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22c.
In correl. constructions with as, with selected terms of quantity, extent, etc.: (a) ~ muche (muchel) as, as great as, as large as; (b) ~ mani..as, such a great number of (souls) as; ~ muche..as, such a great amount of (sth.) as; (c) ~ muche (muchel)..as, ~ muche as, so greatly (..) as; (d) ~ muche..as, as great an amount (of sth.) as; (e) ~ mani as, such a great number that; (f) ~ muche..as, to that extent..insofar as; (g) ~ muche..hou muche (as muche as), to such a great extent..as much as; (h) ~ muche as, even as much as; (i) for ~ muche as [see for-so-much adv. & conj.]; in ~ muche (muchel) as [see in so muche adv.].
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22d.
In correl. constructions or with correl. sense as part of a conjunctive phrase with as: (a) ~ an-on as, as soon as; (b) ~ late as, even as late as; ~ wide as, however far, wherever; (c) ~ forth as, as far as; also fig.
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23.
After numerals, fractions, advs. of quantity, etc.: (a) as; ten ~ wod, ten times as mad; two ~ strong, twice as strong; etc.; (b) ~..as, as..as; twies other thrice ~ muche than, for two or three times as much as; (c) half ~..as, half as much..as.
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24a.
In correl. constructions following as or also: (a) as adv. in main clause: as..~, in the same way as..so, as..in that way; -- also without verb [quot. a1382]; for (for-whi) as..~, inasmuch as..in the same manner; (b) as..righte ~, as..just so, as..~ and, as..so also; even (even like, like, in like wise, righte, sothli) as..~, just as..so; like, righte, righte ~) as..righte ~, just) as..just so; as sum..~, just as..so; (c) as adv. in main clause: as..~, because..as a result, since..accordingly; (d) as adv. in main clause: as..~, while..then, while..at that time; (e) as conj. in subordinate clause, following also modifying an adv. or adj.: also (as)..~, as..as; also, as..as if [quots. Lay.Brut10574, *St.Marg.(2)]; also, as part of a conjunctive phrase: also ofte ~, as often as; also sone (whate) ~, as soon as; (f) as quasi-prep. governing a noun or pron., following also modifying an adv. or adj.: also (as)..~, as..as (sb. or sth.); (g) as conj. in subordinate clause, following also modifying an adj. and a noun: also..~, as..as; (h) as adv., following as as quasi-prep. governing a noun [see also adv. 5.]: as..~, like (sb.)..in the same manner; also, as quasi-prep.: as..~ and, like (sth.)..so also (sth.).
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24b.
In correl. constructions expressing parallelism: (a) following also..~, modifying a repeated adv.: also..~..~, as..as..similarly; (b) also (as) longe as..~ longe, for the length of time that..for that length of time; (c) as (hou) mani..~ mani, that number of..the same number of; (d) as mani..as..~ muche, that number of (sth.) as..that amount; (e) as muche as..~ muche, as great an amount as..a similar amount; (f) in as muche as..(in) ~ muche [see in as muche as phr. 1.(b)].
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25.
As quasi-prep.: (a) governing a noun in a comparison with an adj. or a ppl. [cp. 24a.(f)]: as (sth.), like; bright ~ (ever, as bright as (sth.); etc.; (b) governing a noun in a simile: like (sb. or sth.); ~ ~; al) swich ~, ~ and, just like (sb. or sth.); (c) governing a prep. phrase in a comparison: just as, as; (d) as being (sth.).
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26.
As adv. or conj. in parenthetic clauses containing an asseveration, adjuration, ejaculation, oath, etc.: (a) ~ god me save, as God may save me; ~ god us spede, so God us speed; ~ helpe me god (crist, appollin), so help me God (Christ, Apollo); etc.; ~ deus me garde (deumagard), so God protect me; ~ ma aydeus (madeus), so may God aid me; (b) ~ have i blisse, as I may have eternal joy; ~ mot i then, as I may prosper; ~ wel hire mot bitiden, may happiness come to her [see also moten v.(2) 11.]; etc.; (c) in parenthetic phrase: ~ weilawei the stounde, alas the time.
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27.
Giving indefinite sense: (a) to a rel.pron.: ~ what (~, whatever, whatsoever; ~ who (~, whoever, whosoever; ~ whom ~ ~, whomever, whomsoever; (b) to a rel.adj.: what..~, whatever, whatsoever; ~) which..~, whichever, whichsoever; (c) to a conj.: ~ wher, ~ whider (~, wherever; (d) hou ~, whan ~, what ~, whether ~, wher ~, which ~, whider ~, whiderwardes ~, who ~, whom ~, q.v. [for similar combs. with so-ever see so-ever adv.].
Show 29 Quotations

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • a1450 Castle Persev.(Folg V.a.354)441 : Þou I be fals, I ne recke, Wyth so þat I be lordlyche.
    • Note: Belongs to sense 18.(c). Add phrase with ~ thatafter phrase bi ~ (that.--per MLL
Note: Correction: sense 25.(b) al) swich. Note al-swich is a separate entry in A, so don't we have to put swich (al-swich) ~? al)swich implies al is just a modifier, but in fact, all al + swich quots are handled under al-swich.--per MJW

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