■ noun
1》 ( a ~ ) a period of time.
↘for some time.
2》 ( the ~ ) at the same time; mean~.
↘ literary during the time that.
■ conjunction
1》 at the same time as.
2》 whereas (indicating a contrast).
↘although.
■ related adverb during which.
■ verb ( ~ time away ) pass time in a leisurely manner.
■ preposition N. English until.
Phrases
worth ~ (or worth one's ~ ) worth the time or effort spent.
Origin
OE hwīl 'period of time', of Gmc origin; the conjunction is an abbrev. of OE thā hwīle the 'the ~ that'.
Usage
On the distinction between worth ~ and worth~ , see usage at worth~ .