Aroynts

/əˈrɔɪnts/ verb

Definition

Third person singular or plural form meaning to drive away or banish; an archaic command to depart.

Etymology

From Middle English 'a-' prefix (away) combined with 'rounte' or 'rount,' of uncertain origin but possibly related to 'rout.' Most famous from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' where witches say 'aroint thee.'

Kelly Says

This word is essentially lost to modern English except in Shakespeare classes, but 'aroint thee!' sounds so magical that scholars still debate its exact origin—it might be a spell-like invented word that Shakespeare himself made up.

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