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View synonyms for betimes

betimes

[ bih-tahymz ]

adverb

  1. early; in good time:

    He was up betimes doing his lessons.

  2. occasionally; at times.
  3. Archaic. within a short time; soon.


betimes

/ bɪˈtaɪmz /

adverb

  1. in good time; early
  2. in a short time; soon
“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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of betimes1

1275–1325; Middle English bitimes, equivalent to bitime (from phrase bi time by time) + -s -s 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of betimes1

C14 bitimes ; see by , time
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Example Sentences

Poppies don’t bloom in December — not even here — and roses put in an appearance only betimes.

It originated as Union Army surplus fabric after the Civil War, and 19th-century officers wore it betimes with a cowboy hat, or with an Abe Lincoln stovepipe topper.

Housman’s poetic observation: “Smart lad, to slip betimes away / from fields where glory does not stay.”

“He’s up betimes,” said Tom, a word which, Bod knew, meant early, “and said to tell you he wanted you. If we saw you.”

“Smart lad, to slip betimes away/ From fields where glory does not stay…” A.E.

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