forthwith, adv.
(ˌfɔəθˈwɪθ, -ˈwɪð)
[For forth with (prep.), = earlier forth mid, along with, see forth adv. 2 c. The adv. forthwith originates from this phrase, the prep. being used absol. or with ellipsis of its regimen.]
Immediately, at once, without delay or interval.
| 1450–1530 Myrr. our Ladye 3 Other before the letter or after or else fourthe wyth togyther. 1461 J. Paston in P. Lett. No. 384 II. 4 Ther was a certeyn person forth wyth after the jurney at Wakefield. 1463 Bury Wills (Camden) 17 Y{supt} y⊇ messe of requiem may begynne forthwith whan y{supt} is doo. 1637 Decree Star Chamb. §17 in Milton's Areop. (Arb.) 17 That the Master and Wardens of the Company of Stationers, doe foorthwith certifie [etc.]. 1712 Hearne Collect. (Oxf. Hist. Soc.) III. 424 It shall be done forthwith. 1814 Cary Dante, Par. viii. 50 Forthwith it grew In size and splendour. 1848 Wharton Law Lex. s.v., When a defendant is ordered to plead forthwith, he must plead within twenty-four hours. 1867 Smiles Huguenots Eng. iv. (1880) 53 The King determined that they should forthwith be reconverted to Roman Catholicism. |
¶ Used for forwith adv. and prep. (which is a variant reading in all the passages).
| a 1300 Cursor M. 10752 Amang þir men es forthwit tald, He come al forto ber his wand. Ibid. 11423 Þe stern went forth-wit þat þam ledd. c 1340 Ibid. 11001 (Trin.) In septembre moneth þe foure & twenty nyȝt was..Forþwiþ þe annunciacioun. |