GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 5 definitions 

  1.       

    While , n. [AS. hwīl; akin to OS. hwīl, hwīla, OFries. hwīle, D. wigl, G. weile, OHG. wīla, hwīla, hwīl, Icel. hvīla a bed, hvīld rest, Sw. hvila, Dan. hvile, Goth. hweila a time, and probably to L. quietus quiet, and perhaps to Gr.  the proper time of season. √20.  Cf. Quiet, Whilom.]
    1. Space of time, or continued duration, esp. when short; a time; as, one while we thought him innocent.  “All this while.”  
      Shak.

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      This mighty queen may no while endure.
      Chaucer.

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      [Some guest that] hath outside his welcome while,
      And tells the jest without the smile.
      Coleridge.

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      I will go forth and breathe the air a while.
      Longfellow.

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    2. That which requires time; labor; pains.  [Obs.]
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      Satan . . . cast him how he might quite her while.
      Chaucer.

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      At whiles, at times; at intervals.
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      And so on us at whiles it falls, to claim
      Powers that we dread.
      J. H. Newman.

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      -- The while, The whiles, in or during the time that; meantime; while. Tennyson. -- Within a while, in a short time; soon. -- Worth while, worth the time which it requires; worth the time and pains; hence, worth the expense; as, it is not always worth while for a man to prosecute for small debts.
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  2.       

    While, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Whiled ; p. pr. & vb. n. Whiling.] To cause to pass away pleasantly or without irksomeness or disgust; to spend or pass; -- usually followed by away.
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    The lovely lady whiled the hours away.
    Longfellow.

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  3.       

    While, v. i. To loiter.  [R.]
    Spectator.

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  4.       

    While, conj.
    1. During the time that; as long as; whilst; at the same time that; as, while I write, you sleep.  “While I have time and space.”  
      Chaucer.

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      Use your memory; you will sensibly experience a gradual improvement, while you take care not to overload it.
      I. Watts.

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    2. Hence, under which circumstances; in which case; though; whereas.
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      While as, While that, during or at the time that. [Obs.]
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  5.       

    While, prep. Until; till.  [Obs. or Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
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    I may be conveyed into your chamber;
    I'll lie under your bed while midnight.
    Beau. & Fl.

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