betimes
Americanadverb
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early; in good time.
He was up betimes doing his lessons.
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occasionally; at times.
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Archaic. within a short time; soon.
adverb
-
in good time; early
-
in a short time; soon
Etymology
Origin of betimes
1275–1325; Middle English bitimes, equivalent to bitime (from phrase bi time by time) + -s -s 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Poppies don’t bloom in December — not even here — and roses put in an appearance only betimes.
From Los Angeles Times
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.
From Los Angeles Times
Housman’s poetic observation: “Smart lad, to slip betimes away / from fields where glory does not stay.”
From Washington Post
“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.”
From Literature
“Smart lad, to slip betimes away/ From fields where glory does not stay…” A.E.
From Washington Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
