nonce

[ nons ]

noun

1. the present, or immediate, occasion or purpose (usually used in the phrase for the nonce ).
2. Computers. a randomly or automatically generated and often timestamped number intended for a single use in a communication: used especially in authentication and security protocols.

adjective

1. (of a word or phrase) coined and used only for a particular occasion:

   nonce forms such as “paintrix,” meaning “a female painter.”

nonce

¹

/ nɒns /

noun

1. the present time or occasion (now only in the phrase for the nonce )

nonce

²

/ nɒns /

noun

1. slang:prison.
   a rapist or child molester; a sexual offender

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonce¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English nones, in the phrase for the nones, by faulty division of for then ones “for the once” ( Middle English then, dative singular of the ¹none; ones once none )

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonce¹

C12: from the phrase for the nonce, a mistaken division of for then anes, literally: for the once, from then dative singular of the + anes once

Origin of nonce²

C20: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

The "Nonce" said that you caught him up in a line he had misquoted.'

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• now
• today