whensoever

See also: whensoëver

English

Alternative forms

• whensoëver (obsolete)

Etymology

From Middle English quen-so-ever, wensoever, whanne so evere, whan-so-ever, whan-so-evere, whenne-soever, when so evyr. By surface analysis, when +‎ so +‎ ever.

Adverb

whensoever (not comparable)

1. whenever; at any time at all
   • 1602, William Shakespeare, Hamlet, act V scene 2:

     Now or whensoever, provided I be so able as now.

   • 1672, Sir Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia Epidemica:

     Again, whereas men affirm they perceive an addition of ponderosity in dead bodies, comparing them usually unto blocks and stones, whensoever they lift or carry them; this accessional preponderancy is rather in appearance than reality.

   • 1840, Lewis Rose, chapter I, in An Humble Attempt to Put an End to the Present Divisions in the Church of Scotland, and to Promote Her Usefulness. […] ‎^[1], Glasgow: George Gallie, →OCLC, page 8:

     But we mean whensoever her majesty or any other patron do present any person unto a benefice, that the person presented shall be tried and examined by the judgment of learned men of the church; […]

Related terms

• whensomever