erst

English - English

Definition of erst in English English dictionary

First of all, before (some other specified thing)

Formerly, once, erstwhile

Sooner (than); before

Telle Kynge Marke that I woll com as sone as I am hole, for arste I may do hym no goode.

{a} when time was, at first, formerly, once

at a previous time; "once he loved her"; "her erstwhile writing"

formerly, previously (Archaic)

Previously; before; formerly; heretofore

First

Etymology

[ '&rst ] (adverb.) 12th century. From Old English ǣrest, superlative of ǣr (whence English ere).