betimes

[bih-tahymz]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR betimes ON THESAURUS.COM

adverb

early; in good time: He was up betimes doing his lessons.

occasionally; at times.

Archaic. within a short time; soon.

Origin of betimes

1275–1325; Middle English bitimes, equivalent to bitime (from phrase bi time by time) + -s -s1

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for betimes

early, anon, occasionally, prematurely, shortly, soon, speedily

Examples from the Web for betimes

Historical Examples of betimes

She sent for me betimes, and I went in fear and trembling of her wrath and scorn.
The Shame of Motley
Raphael Sabatini
They do call me 'Darby the Blast' betimes, av that 'a a name.
Tom Burke Of "Ours", Volume II (of II)
Charles James Lever
She would be betimes at the hospital to-morrow, and she would leave it late.
The Long Roll
Mary Johnston
The next morning betimes Ben presented himself at the Emporium.
In Apple-Blossom Time
Clara Louise Burnham
An' what'll the master be sayin' if he's wantin' you betimes?
Reels and Spindles
Evelyn Raymond

British Dictionary definitions for betimes

betimes

adverb archaic

in good time; early

in a short time; soon

Word Origin for betimes

C14 bitimes; see by, time

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for betimes

adv.

"at an early period," early 14c., from betime (c.1300, from be- + time) + adverbial genitive -s.