Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Once
Once
(ŏns)
, Noun.
(Zool.)
The ounce.
1.
For one time; by limitation to the number one; 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 quenchedWilt thou not be made clean? When shall it
once
be? Jer. xiii. 27.
To be
Is
once
in doubtIs
once
to be resolved. Shakespeare
☞ 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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Once
ONCE
,adv.
1.
One time.Trees that bear mast are fruitful but once in two years.
2.
One time, though no more. The mind once tainted with vice is prone to grow worse and worse.3.
At one former time; formerly.My soul had once some foolish fondness for thee, but hence 'tis gone.
4.
At the same point of time; not gradually.At once the winds arise, the thunders roll.
At once, at the same time; as, they all moved at once; hence, when it refers to two or more, the sense is together, as one.
This hath all its force at once, on the first impression.
Once is used as a noun, when preceded by this or that; as this once, that once.
ONCE
,Noun.
ons.