archaic
: while

whiles

2 of 2

adverb

chiefly Scotland

Word History

Etymology

Conjunction

Middle English, from while + -s, adverb suffix — more at whence

First Known Use

Conjunction

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whiles was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near whiles

Cite this Entry

“Whiles.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whiles. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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