SINCE 1828
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betwixt

adverb or preposition
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be·​twixt | \ bi-ˈtwikst How to pronounce betwixt (audio) , bē- \

Definition of betwixt

: between betwixt the eyes

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Jack Sprat could eat no fat, his wife could eat no lean; and so betwixt the two of them, they licked the platter clean. Perhaps you've always said "and so between the two of them" when reciting the tale of Jack Sprat and his wife. That's fine. "Betwixt" and "between" have similar origins: they both come from a combination of "be-" and related Old English roots. Both words appeared before the 12th century, but use of "betwixt" dropped off considerably toward the end of the 1600s. It survived in the phrase "betwixt and between" ("neither one thing nor the other"), which took on a life of its own in the 18th century. Nowadays "betwixt" is uncommon, but it isn't archaic; it's simply used more consciously than "between."

First Known Use of betwixt

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for betwixt

Middle English, from Old English betwux, from be- + -twux (akin to Goth tweihnai two each) — more at between

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The first known use of betwixt was before the 12th century

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Dictionary Entries Near betwixt

between you and me

betwixt

betwixt and between

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Cite this Entry

“Betwixt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betwixt. Accessed 20 Oct. 2021.

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More Definitions for betwixt

betwixt

preposition
How to pronounce betwixt (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of betwixt

: between

See the full definition for betwixt in the English Language Learners Dictionary

betwixt

preposition
be·​twixt | \ bi-ˈtwikst How to pronounce betwixt (audio) \

Kids Definition of betwixt

: between sense 1 betwixt sundown and sunup

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