erstwhile

[urst-hwahyl, -wahyl]

adjective

1. former; of times past.

   erstwhile friends.

   Synonyms: previous, bygone, past
   Antonyms: present, current

adverb

1. Archaic.,  formerly; erst.

erstwhile

/ ˈɜːstˌwaɪl /

adjective

1. former; one-time

   my erstwhile companions

adverb

1. archaic,  long ago; formerly

Word History and Origins

Origin of erstwhile¹

First recorded in 1560–70; erst + while

Example Sentences

At the same time, the military is being pushed farther into civilian affairs, and not just as erstwhile cops.

From Los Angeles Times

No ties to the area except our tax dollars, of course, and our erstwhile equality as Angelenos and Californians.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, over on “Gutfeld,” fill-in host Kat Timpf was talking about her erstwhile boss taking two full days off work to get a colonoscopy.

From Los Angeles Times

The author, who lives in Culver City, is still married to the erstwhile sailor, but she now sculls at UCLA’s Marina Aquatics Center.

From Los Angeles Times

He also wore a gorgeous diamond necklace, its design inspired by a Cartier piece worn by an erstwhile king of the northern Indian state of Punjab.

From BBC