handwhile

== English == === Alternative forms === hand-while === Etymology === From Middle English handwhile, from Old English handhwīl (“an instant”), equivalent to hand +‎ while. Cognate with Middle High German hantwile (“handwhile”). === Noun === handwhile (plural handwhiles) (obsolete) A little while; a moment, an instant. , II.17: Yea, mine owne sayings are every hand-while alleadged against my selfe, when God wot I perceive it not.