† astite, as tite, advb. phr. Obs. Chiefly north.
Forms: 4 als tit(e, als tyte, als tyd, 4–5 alstite; 4 as tit, 4–5 as tyt, as tyte, as tyd, 5 astyht, 5–7 astite.
The two words as tite were commonly written as one from 15th to 17th c. (cf. asfast, assoon.) Beside the obvious import (see as, A 3, 5, and tite), it had the sense: As quick as might be, immediately (Fr. aussitôt).
| [1325–1420 See other instances under alstite.] c 1320 R. Brunne Medit. 436 Þow shalt haue of vs þe deþ astyte. c 1330 Amis & Amil. 1046 And lepe astite opon a stede. c 1435 Torr. Portugal 641 A! theff! yeld the astyt. c 1450 Lonelich Grail xxii. 12 Al this schal I the tellen astyht. 1674 Ray N. Countr. Wds. 2 Astite, Anon, shortly, or as soon. |