DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan

 Once adv.
 1. For one time; by limitation to the number one; not twice nor any number of times more than one.
    Ye shall . . . go round about the city once.   --Josh. vi. 3.
    Trees that bear mast are fruitful but once in two years.   --Bacon.
 2. At some one period of time; -- used indefinitely.
    My soul had once some foolish fondness for thee.   --Addison.
    That court which we shall once govern.   --Bp. Hall.
 3. At any one time; -- often nearly equivalent to ever, if ever, or whenever; as, once kindled, it may not be quenched.
    Wilt thou not be made clean? When shall it once be?   --Jer. xiii. 27.
 To be once in doubt
 Is once to be resolved.   --Shak.
 Note: ☞ Once is used as a noun when preceded by this or that; as, this once, that once.  It is also sometimes used elliptically, like an adjective, for once-existing. “The once province of Britain.” --J. N. Pomeroy.
 At once. (a) At the same point of time; immediately; without delay. “Stand not upon the order of your going, but go at once.” --Shak. “I . . . withdrew at once and altogether.” --Jeffrey. (b) At one and the same time; simultaneously; in one body; as, they all moved at once.
 Once and again, once and once more; repeatedly. “A dove sent forth once and again, to spy.” --Milton.
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