pron.
Pronunciation: (h)im- ' self, Southern also - ' sef
Function: pronoun
Date: before 12th century
1 a : that identical male one ― used reflexively, for emphasis, in absolute constructions, and in place of him especially when joined to another object <he considers himself lucky> <he himself did it> < himself unhappy, he understood the situation> <a gift to his wife and himself > ― compare 1 HE b ― used reflexively when the sex of the antecedent is unspecified <everyone must fend for himself >
2 : his normal, healthy, or sane condition or self <hasn't been himself lately>
3 chiefly Irish & Scottish : a man of consequence especially : the master of the house