Erstwhiles

/ˈɜːrstwwaɪlz/ adverb

Definition

Plural or emphatic form of erstwhile; multiple former times or an intensified version of 'formerly.'

Etymology

Formation of 'erstwhile' with the adverbial '-s' suffix, creating an archaic intensification. Extremely rare in usage.

Kelly Says

This word is so archaic that finding it in actual historical texts is a treasure—it represents a linguistic layer that was already disappearing by the 1600s.

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