GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Only , a. [OE. only, anly, onlich, AS. ānlic, i.e., onelike. See One, and Like, a.]
   One alone; single; as, the only man present; his only occupation.
   1913 Webster
   Alone in its class; by itself; not associated with others of the same class or kind; as, an only child.
   1913 Webster
   Hence, (figuratively): Alone, by reason of superiority; preeminent; chief. “Motley's the only wear.”
   Shak.
   
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2.       
   Only , adv. [See Only, a.]
   In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely.
   1913 Webster
   And to be loved himself, needs only to be known.
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster
   So and no otherwise; no other than; exclusively; solely; wholly. “She being only wicked.”
   Beau. & Fl.
   
   1913 Webster
   Every imagination . . . of his heart was only evil.
   Gen. vi. 5.
   
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   Singly; without more; as, only-begotten.
   1913 Webster
   Above all others; particularly. [Obs.]
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   His most only elected mistress.
   Marston.
   
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3.       
   Only, conj. Save or except (that); -- an adversative used elliptically with or without that, and properly introducing a single fact or consideration.
   1913 Webster
   He might have seemed some secretary or clerk . . . only that his low, flat, unadorned cap . . . indicated that he belonged to the city.
   Sir W. Scott.
   
   1913 Webster