betimes

adv

Etymology: From Middle English betymes, from bi (“by”) + time + adverbial -s. By surface analysis, betime + -s (adverbial suffix). Compare also betides.

1. In good season or time; early, especially in the morning; seasonably.

   “Behold, as wilde asses in the desart, goe they foorth to their worke, rising betimes for a pray: the wildernes yeeldeth food for them, and for their children.”

   “They slept well that night and betimes next morning the mother of Alaeddin arose and went with her bowl to the King's court which she found closed.”

2. In a short time, soon; quickly, forthwith.

   “[O]ne prayed God right heartily aloud that He would send them betimes a knight that durst convoy them through this strait pass.”

   “Reproving betimes with sharpness...and afterward showing forth an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved[…]”