handwhile

English

Alternative forms

• hand-while

Etymology

From Middle English handwhile, from Old English handhwīl (“an instant”), equivalent to hand +‎ while. Cognate with Middle High German hantwile (“handwhile”).

Noun

handwhile (plural handwhiles)

1. (obsolete) A little while; a moment, an instant.
   • 1603, Michel de Montaigne, translated by John Florio, The Essayes […], London: […] Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], →OCLC:
     , II.17:

     Yea, mine owne sayings are every hand-while alleadged against my selfe, when God wot I perceive it not.