Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Once?

\Once\, adv. [OE. ones, anes, an adverbial form fr. one, on, an, one. See {One-}, {-Wards}.] 1. By limitation to the number one; for one time; not twice nor any number of times more than one. Ye shall . . . go round about the city once. --Josh. vi. 3. Trees that bear mast are fruitful but once in two years. --Bacon. 2. At some one period of time; -- used indefinitely. My soul had once some foolish fondness for thee. --Addison. That court which we shall once govern. --Bp. Hall. 3. At any one time; -- often nearly equivalent to ever, if ever, or whenever; as, once kindled, it may not be quenched. Wilt thou not be made clean? When shall it once be? --Jer. xiii. 27. To be once in doubt Is once to be resolved. --Shak. Note: Once is used as a noun when preceded by this or that; as, this once, that once. It is also sometimes used elliptically, like an adjective, for once-existing. ``The once province of Britain.'' --J. N. Pomeroy. {At once}. (a) At the same point of time; immediately; without delay. ``Stand not upon the order of your going, but go at once.'' --Shak. ``I . . . withdrew at once and altogether.'' --Jeffrey. (b) At one and the same time; simultaneously; in one body; as, they all moved at once. {Once and again}, once and once more; repeatedly. ``A dove sent forth once and again, to spy.'' --Milton.