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Dec 7, 2009
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—N

Nonce

For the nonce. A corruption of for then anes (for then once), meaning for this once. “An apron” for a naperon is an example of n transferred the other way. We have some halfdozen similar examples in the language, as “tother day” —i.e. the other or &that; other = the other. Nuncle used in King Lear, which was originally mineuncle. An arrant knave is a narrant knave. (See Nag.)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Nonconformists
Non Sequitur
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