four score and seven years ago

adv

Etymology: Literally, “87 years ago” (score sense: “group of 20”) the beginning of the Gettysburg Address made on November 19, 1863, by United States President Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865). The widespread familiarity of Lincoln’s address, the unusual and poetic wording, and its status as the first words of the speech have caused the phrase to enter the public consciousness.

1. Used (sometimes sarcastically) to indicate that a past event being mentioned is particularly important: a long time ago; many years ago.

   “It was established four score and seven years ago, and since that time its activities have been intertwined with the internal development of the Nation itself.”

   “I imagined momentarily that it was four score and seven years ago, that I had just been brought forth from my mother […]”