pron.
Pronunciation: th ə m- ' selvz, th em-
Function: pronoun plural
Date: 13th century
1 a : those identical ones that are they ― compare THEY 1a ― used reflexively, for emphasis, or in absolute constructions <nations that govern themselves > <they themselves were present> < themselves busy, they disliked idleness in others> b : himself or herself : HIMSELF , HERSELF ― used with an indefinite third person singular antecedent <nobody can call themselves oppressed ― Leonard Wibberley>
2 : their normal, healthy, or sane condition <were themselves again after a night's rest>
usage see THEY