at erst

1 definition found

at erst - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Erst \Erst\ ([~e]rst), adv. [Orig. superlative of ere; AS.
     [=ae]rest. See Ere.] [Archaic]
     1. First. --Chaucer.
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     2. Previously; before; formerly; heretofore. --Chaucer.
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              Tityrus, with whose style he had erst disclaimed all
              ambition to match his pastoral pipe.  --A. W. Ward.
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     At erst, at first; at the beginning.
  
     Now at erst, at this present time. --Chaucer.
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