erst

An archaic adverb meaning 'formerly' or 'long ago.' It was used in older English, particularly in poetic or literary contexts, to refer to a time in the distant past.

• 🇫🇷Adverbe archaïque signifiant 'autrefois' ou 'il y a longtemps'. Employé dans l'anglais ancien, surtout dans un contexte poétique ou littéraire, pour désigner un temps reculé dans le passé.

1. Previously or formerly C2 formal british

   At an earlier time; in the past.

   • He was erst a respected scholar in the field.
   • The castle, erst the home of a noble family, now lies in ruins.
   • Erst, the village was a bustling market town.

   🇫🇷auparavant, autrefois

   Synonymes: beforeerstwhileformerlyoncepreviously