yester, a., adv., n.
(ˈjɛstə(r))
[The first element of yesterday, yestereve, etc., used as a separate word. Cf. next.]
A. adj. Of or belonging to yesterday. poet.
| 1577 Holinshed Chron., Descr. Scot. ix. 12/1 We haue such plenty of fishe,..that although Millions..of them be taken on the one day, yet on the next their losse wil so be supplied with new store, that nothing shal be missing by reason of the yesterfang. 1690 Dryden Don Sebastian ii. i. (1692) D 1 b, To love an Enemy,..whom yester Sun beheld, Must'ring her Charms. 1725 Pope Odyss. iv. 881 When the glimm'ring ray Of yester dawn disclos'd the tender day. 1737 Glover Leonidas vii. 31 Opposition more tremendous still And ruinous, than yester sun beheld. 1848 Lytton K. Arthur xi. cxliv, Thro' paths his yester steps had fail'd to find. 1889 Universal Rev. Nov. 427 There all day long my yester journey was. |
† B. adv. Yesterday. Obs.
| 1647 in Essex Rev. (1908) XVII. 134 Sir thomas farfax yester dined at the Tower. 1653 Nicholas Papers (Camden) II. 6 The other took his advertisement so ill that they were like to have fallen by the ears yester. 1790 Grose Prov. Gloss. (ed. 2) Suppl., All the day yester. |
† C. n. Yesterday. Also transf. Obs.
| a 1701 Sedley Virg. Past. vi. Wks. 1778 I. 307 With fumes of yester's wine the god was doz'd. 1837 Whittock, etc. Bk. Trades (1842) 390 (Printer), Ornamental printing—the last thing of yester's date. |