handwhile en · NOUN
Etymology
From Middle English handwhile, from Old English handhwīl (“an instant”), equivalent to hand + while. Cognate with Middle High German hantwile (“handwhile”).
Meanings
-
(obsolete) A little while; a moment, an instant.
Yea, mine owne sayings are every hand-while alleadged against my selfe, when God wot I perceive it not.
, II.17
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| hand-while | alternative | lexicographic | |
| handwhiles | Number=Plur | lexicographic |