Erst
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ɝst/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Erst is an adjective meaning (obsolete) First.
Meaning
(obsolete) First.
More Meanings
- (obsolete) First of all, before (some other specified thing).
- (obsolete) Sooner (than); before.
- (archaic, poetic) Formerly, once, erstwhile.
Example Sentences
Consider what I erst have been and what thou seest me now:
When lofty trees I see barren of leaves Which erst from heat did canopy the herd
Thenne he sente the varlet ageyne and bad hym telle Kyng Mark that I wille come as soone as I am hole / for erste I maye doo hym noo good "Then he sent the varlet again, and bade him: Tell King Mark that I will come as soon as I am whole, for erst I may do him no good. "
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include whilom, formerly, aforetime, firster, fyrste, firste.
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Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.