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 dialectal, 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 dialectal, 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

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