n.
Pronunciation: ' nän(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English nanes, alteration (fr. misdivision of then anes in such phrases as to then anes for the one purpose) of anes one purpose, irregular from an, on one ― more at ONE
Date: 13th century
1 : the one, particular, or present occasion, purpose, or use <for the nonce >
2 : the time being