betimes

Etymology

From Middle English bitimes, from bi (“by”) + time and adverbial -s. Compare betides.

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /bɪˈtaɪmz /, /bəˈtaɪmz/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -aɪmz

Adverb

betimes (not comparable)

1. (dated) In good season or time; early, especially in the morning.
   • 1896, A. E. Housman, "To An Athlete Dying Young," in A Shropshire Lad,

     Smart lad to slip betimes away

     From fields where glory does not stay.

   • 1902, Arthur Conan Doyle, chapter 13, in The Hound of the Baskervilles:

     I was up betimes in the morning, but Holmes was afoot earlier still, for I saw him as I dressed, coming up the drive.

   • 1982, Lawrence Durrell, Constance, Faber & Faber 2004 (Avignon Quintet), p. 786:

     However they dined very early, for the winter dusk fell betimes at this season [...].

2. (archaic) In a short time, soon.
   • 1898, The High History of the Holy Graal, translated by Sebastian Evans, Branch IX, Title II,

     [O]ne prayed God right heartily aloud that He would send them betimes a knight that durst convoy them through this strait pass.

   • 1839, Doctrine and Covenants 121:43

     Reproving betimes with sharpness...and afterward showing forth an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved...