quondam [ˈkwɒndəm] adv.
1.) At one time, formerly, heretofore, ‘whilome’. rare.
quondam [ˈkwɒndəm] n.
1.) The former holder of some office or position; one who has been deposed or ejected.
quondam [ˈkwɒndəm] adj.
1.) That formerly was or existed: of persons (the most frequent use), things, qualities, etc. (O.E.D. 2nd Ed.).
Etymology: Latin, from quom, when.
"— Hector: Who must we answer?
— Aeneas: The noble Menelaus.
— Hector: O you, my lord? By Mars his gauntlet, thanks!
Mock not that I affect the untraded oath;
Your quondam wife swears still by Venus' glove.
She's well, but bade me not commend her to you.
— Menelaus: Name her not now, sir; she's a deadly theme."
(Troilus and Cressida, William Shakespeare, 1609)
5 comments:
I would like to refer to Bush as our nation's quondam. I'm not sure its completely accurate because it wasn't as violent or dramatic as all of that, but it is a pretty bitchin word.
I much prefer our modern equivalent -- "ex"
Interesting one. I'll end up remembering it for scrabble.
Do you use these words in your everyday conversations? Cause if so, that's freaking hot, dude.
I like the taste of the word on my tongue, Edmund, I really do.
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