Dictionary

many a time and oft en · ADV

Etymology

Repetition for emphasis.

Meanings

1. (archaic, idiomatic, literary, not-comparable) Frequently.
   • Signor Antonio, many a time and oft In the Rialto you have rated me About my monies, and my usances: c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene iii]:
   • And all that winter, when at night The wind blew from the mountain-peak, 'Twas worth your while, though in the dark, The church-yard path to seek: For many a time and oft were heard Cries coming from the mountain-head: 1798, William Wordsworth, “The Thorn”, in Henry Reed, editor, The Complete Poetical Works of William Wordsworth, published 1851, page 183:
   • The three girl friends were seated on the rocks, enjoying the evening scene and the air which was fresh but not too chilly. Many a time and oft were they wont to come there to that favourite nook to have a cosy chat beside the sparkling waves and discuss matters feminine,[…]. 1922 February 2, James Joyce, “[Episode 13: Nausicäa]”, in Ulysses, Paris: Shakespeare and Company […], →OCLC:
   • "How? And art thou indeed Little John, and Robin Hood's own right-hand man? Many a time and oft I heard of thee, but never did I hope to set eyes upon thee.[…]" 1883, Howard Pyle, “How Little John Lived at the Sherriff’s”, in The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood […], New York, N.Y.: […] Charles Scribner’s Sons […], →OCLC:

Forms