umwhile

English

Etymology

From Middle English umwhile, umwhyle, umbewhile, from the phrase umbe while (literally “at times, at some time”). Analyzable as um- +‎ while. More at while.

Adjective

umwhile (not comparable)

1. (obsolete outside dialects, chiefly Scotland) Erstwhile; late; former.
   • 1831, Sir Walter Scott, Waverly, or Six Years Since‎:

     which devolved on this unhappy woman by a settlement of her umwhile husband.

Adverb

umwhile (not comparable)

1. (obsolete outside dialects, chiefly Scotland) Formerly; late; whilom.

Scots

Alternative forms

• umquhile

Etymology

um- +‎ while

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): [ˈʌmʍəil]

Adverb

umwhile (not comparable)

1. formerly

Adjective

umwhile (not comparable)

1. (archaic) erstwhile, former, late, deceased