I. ˈwən(t)s adverb
Etymology: Middle English ones, from genitive of on one
Date: 12th century
1. : one time and no more
rode a horse only once
2. : at any one time : under any circumstances : ever
didn't once thank me
3. : at some indefinite time in the past : formerly
was once a booming mining town
4. : by one degree of relationship
first cousin once removed
•
- once and for all
- once in a while
II. noun
Date: 13th century
: one single time : one time at least
please be on time this once
•
- at once
III. adjective
Date: 1691
: that once was : former
a once successful actor
IV. conjunction
Date: 1761
: at the moment when : as soon as
once she spoke, I recognized her