Middle English Dictionary Entry
afirst adv.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | afirst adv.(2) Also avirst, aferst, averst, a furst. |
| Etymology | From on first. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. first n.(1).
1.
After a time, later; don ~, to delay, procrastinate, postpone doing (sth.).
Associated quotations
- a1225(?c1175) PMor.(Lamb 487)37 : Ne scal na mon don afirst [vrr. a ferst, a furst, a first, auirst, avirst] ne slawen wel to done.
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)8785 : Ȝif ihc her for-wurde, auerst þe beoð þa wurse.
- (1340) Ayenb.(Arun 57)32 : He þet wel deþ and deþ hit auerst: hit nis no wonder þaȝ he hit do sleuuolliche.
- (1340) Ayenb.(Arun 57)161 : Zix maneres of tyeres þet þe holy man heþ ine þise wordle..Þe vifte uor þise liue þet tyeneþ and uor þe oþre þet deþ auerst.