umwhile
English
Etymology
From Middle English umwhile, umwhyle, umbewhile, from the phrase umbe while (literally “at times, at some time”). Analyzable as um- + while. More at umbe, while.
Adjective
umwhile (not comparable)
- (obsolete outside dialects, chiefly Scotland) erstwhile; late; former.
- 1831, Sir Walter Scott, Waverly, or Six Years Since:
- which devolved on this unhappy woman by a settlement of her umwhile husband.
-
Adverb
umwhile (not comparable)
- (obsolete outside dialects, chiefly Scotland) formerly; late; whilom.
Scots
Alternative forms
- umquhile
Etymology
um- + while
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): [ˈʌmʍəil]
Adverb
umwhile (not comparable)
- formerly
Adjective
umwhile (not comparable)
- (archaic) erstwhile, former, late, deceased