oftentimes, adv.
(ˈɒf(ə)ntaɪmz, ɔː-)
Now only arch. or literary.
[f. often adv. + times; an extended form of ofttimes.]
Many times; on many occasions, or in many cases; frequently, often.
| c 1430 Syr Tryam. Notes 60 The kynge..oftentymes dyde wepe. 1444 Rolls of Parlt. V. 117/2 He to forfaite as often tymes as he offendith. 1540–1 Elyot Image Govt. 15 b, He shalbe oftentymes warned. 1611 Bible Heb. x. 11 Offring oftentimes [Wyclif, Tindale, etc. ofte tymes] the same sacrifices. 1774 J. Bryant Mythol. I. 495 These buildings were oftentimes light-houses. 1800 Wordsw. Pet Lamb 62 This song to myself did I oftentimes repeat. 1845–6 Trench Huls. Lect. Ser. ii. ii. 168 An oftentimes fatal readiness. 1875 Gladstone Glean. (1879) VI. 154. |
† b. Rarely in compar. and superl. oftener times, oftenest times. Obs.
| 1562 Cooper Answ. Priv. Masse (Parker Soc.) 107 Many..take of this sacrifice once in the whole year, some twice, some oftener times. 1592 W. Wyrley Armorie 143 Oftenest times when least we do mistrust. 1607 Topsell Four-f. Beasts (1658) 450 The female is oftener times taken then the male. |