~ 1
■ conjunction
1》 used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has come before or with what is expected.
2》 [with negative or in questions ] other than; otherwise than.
3》 [with negative ] archaic without it being the case that.
■ preposition except; apart from.
■ adverb
1》 only.
2》 Austral./NZ & Scottish informal though; however: he was a nice bloke ~.
■ noun an objection: no ifs and ~s.
Phrases
~ for except for.
↘if it were not for.
Origin
OE be-ūtan , būtan , būta 'outside, without, except' (see by , out ).
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~ 2
■ noun Scottish an outer room, especially in a two-roomed cottage.
Phrases
~ and ben see ben 2 .
Origin
C18: from ~ 1 in the early sense 'outside'.