Middle English Dictionary Entry
afōr(e-tīme adv.
Entry Info
| Forms | afōr(e-tīme adv. Also -timez. |
| Etymology | From prep. phrase. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Before the present time, in the past, formerly.
Associated quotations
- (a1438) MKempe A (Add 61823)6/21 : It was mech mor esy þan it was a-for-tyme.
- (1441) Let.Coldingham in Sur.Soc.12117 : Grett inconvenientez thatt afortym fell in seynt Benett ordour.
- (1441) Let.Coldingham in Sur.Soc.12134 : I recommend me to yowe..for your grete tendirnesse and fortheryng afortymez shewid to my brether.
- ?a1450(1422) Lydg.SD (McC 182)57/3 : Schewe not now yowre selfe enemyes to þe Empire, bi whos worþynes aforetyme hit haþe be sustened.
- c1450(c1425) Brut-1419 (Cmb Kk.1.12)347/6 : Her liberteis and Fraunchezes graunted vnto ham ayen as þai afore tyme hadde.
- (c1460) Bk.Arms in Anc.3 (Hrl 2169)199 : The lordys that bene past bere afore tyme.
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)2.65 : And if a man scholde see hit now, considrenge what that cite was a fore tyme, hit scholde move hym to be soory.