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erstwhile
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1erst·while

adverb \ˈərst-ˌ(h)wī(-ə)l\

Definition of ERSTWHILE

: in the past : formerly <cultures, erstwhile unknown to each other — Robert Plank>
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Examples of ERSTWHILE

  1. <there's now a store where erstwhile lay green and pleasant pastures>

First Known Use of ERSTWHILE

1569

Related to ERSTWHILE

Synonyms
formerly, once, onetime

2erstwhile

adjective

Definition of ERSTWHILE

: former, previous <erstwhile enemies>
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Examples of ERSTWHILE

  1. <my erstwhile friend ignored me when I ran into her at the mall>

First Known Use of ERSTWHILE

1903

Related to ERSTWHILE

Synonyms
former, late, old, once, onetime, other, past, quondam, sometime, whilom

Rhymes with ERSTWHILE

abseil, air mile, bass viol, black bile, Blue Nile, decile, exile, Fair Isle, field trial, gentile, high style, hostile, lifestyle, meanwhile, motile, nail file, New Style, old style, Old Style, on file, profile, redial, reptile, show trial, stockpile, time trial

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