adv

whilom

Whilom (adv) means At some time in the past; formerly, once upon a time.

adv

At some time in the past; formerly, once upon a time.

At times, on occasion, sometimes.

Preceded by of or this: for some time that has passed.

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Etymology

From Middle English whilom (“(adverb) at one time, formerly, once; once upon a time; at times, sometimes; at a future time; (conjunction) while”) [and other forms], from Old English hwīlum, hwīlan, hwīlon (“at one time, once; sometimes”), from Proto-West Germanic *hwīlum, the dative plural of *hwīlu (“period of time, time, while; period of rest, pause”), from Proto-Germanic *hwīlō (“period of time, time, while; period of rest, pause”), from Proto-Indo-European *kʷyeh₁- (“to rest; peace, rest”). The Oxford English Dictionary regards adverb sense 2.2 (“for some time that has passed”) as “aberrant”. Cognates * Old High German hwīlōn (Middle High German wīlen, wīlent, German weiland (“at one time, formerly”)) * Old Saxon hwīlon (“sometimes”) (Middle Dutch wilen, Middle Low German wilen (“at one time, formerly”), Dutch wijlen (“deceased, late”))

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of whilom?

"whilom" (adv) means at some time in the past; formerly, once upon a time.

What are the different meanings of whilom?

"whilom" has 3 main meanings: 1. At some time in the past; formerly, once upon a time; 2. At times, on occasion, sometimes; 3. Preceded by of or this: for some time that has passed.