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Webster 1913 Edition


Betimes

{

Be-time′

,

Be-times′

, }
adv.
[Pref.
be-
(for
by
) +
time
; that is, by the proper time. The
-s
is an adverbial ending.]
1.
In good season or time; before it is late; seasonably; early.
To measure life learn thou
betimes
.
Milton.
To rise
betimes
is often harder than to do all the day’s work.
Barrow.
2.
In a short time; soon; speedily; forth with.
He tires
betimes
that spurs too fast betimes.
Shakespeare

Definition 2024


betimes

betimes

English

Adverb

betimes (not comparable)

  1. (dated) In good season or time; early, especially in the morning.
    • 1896, A. E. Houseman, "To An Athlete Dying Young," in A Shropshire Lad,
      Smart lad to slip betimes away
      From fields where glory does not stay.
    • 1902, Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound of the Baskervilles, ch. 13,
      I was up betimes in the morning, but Holmes was afoot earlier still, for I saw him as I dressed, coming up the drive.
    • 1982, Lawrence Durrell, Constance, Faber & Faber 2004 (Avignon Quintet), p. 786:
      However they dined very early, for the winter dusk fell betimes at this season [...].
  2. (archaic) In a short time, soon.
    • 1898, The High History of the Holy Graal, translated by Sebastian Evans, Branch IX, Title II,
      [O]ne prayed God right heartily aloud that He would send them betimes a knight that durst convoy them through this strait pass.
    • 1839, Doctrine and Covenants 121:43
      Reproving betimes with sharpness...and afterward showing forth an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved...

Translations