heretofore, adv. (a., n.)
(hɪətəˈfɔə(r))
Also 4–5 heretoforn(e.
[f. here adv. 16 + tofore, OE. tóforan; cf. MDu. hiertevoren, Ger. hierzuvor.]
A. adv. Before this time; before now; in time past; formerly.
| c 1350 Will. Palerne 1816 For here-to-fore of hardnesse hadestow neuer. 1387–8 T. Usk Test. Love iii. viii. (Skeat) l. 113 Will of rightfulnesse is the ilke same rightfulnesse as here toforne is shewed. c 1430 Hymns Virg. 87 Where ben þese worþi þat were heere-to-forn? 1555 Eden Decades 214 The lyke hath not heretofore byn knowen. a 1680 Butler Rem. (1759) I. 126 The Pagans heretofore Did their own Handyworks adore. 1732 Berkeley Alciphr. ii. §11 The political writings of such as have heretofore passed for wise men. 1860 Tyndall Glac. ii. iii. 244, I tried the methods heretofore pursued. |
B. adj. Former, previous.
| 1491 Act 7 Hen. VII, c. 22 §3 Annuyties graunted..by..Piers Courteney somtyme Bisshoppe of Excestre or by any othre heretoforn Bisshoppe there. 1656–7 R. Venning Mercies Memorial 17 Heretofore-mercies are grounds to look for hereafter-mercies. 1839 C. L. H. Papendiek Crt. & Priv. Life Q. Charlotte (1887) II. xv. 94 But he felt the loss, for them, of his heretofore allowances. a 1864 Hawthorne Amer. Note-Bks. (1879) I. 22 In his heretofore voyages. |
C. n. Time past; the past.
| 1824 Galt Rothelan vi. vi, The same sort of being that he has been in the heretofore. 1876 J. Martineau Hours Th. (1877) 230 The relation of his Now to a heretofore and a hereafter. |