While | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Whīle, n.

noun

(hwīl), n. [A-S. hwīl, O. Sax. huīl, huîla, O. Fries. hwîle, wîle, M. H. & L. Ger. wîle, D. wijle, weil, Icel. & Sw. hvila, Dan. hvile, Goth. hveila, O. H. Ger. hwîla, wîla, N. H. Ger. weile.] Space of time, or continued duration; time; as, one while we thought him innocent.

Like some poor, nigh-related guest, That may not rudely be dismissed, Yet hath outstaid his welcome while, And tells the jest without the smile. Coleridge.

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.

Whīle, adv.

adverb

adv. 1. During the time that; as long as; at the same time that; as, while I write, you sleep.

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

Sense 2. Hence, under which circumstances; in which case; though.

While wits and Templars every sentence raise, And wonder with a foolish face of praise. Pope.

Sense 3. Until; till. [Obs. and rare.]

I may be conveyed into your chamber; I'll lie under your bed while midnight. Beau. & Fl.

While as, during or at the time that. [Obs.]

Whīle, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. WHILED; p. pr. & vb. n. WHILING.] [See supra and infra.] To cause to pass away without irksomeness or disgust; to spend or pass;—usually followed by away. Let us while away this life. Pope.

Whīle, v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. [O. Fries. hwīla, Icel. & Sw. hvīla, Dan. hvīle, O. H. Ger. wīlôn, N. H. Ger. weilen, verweilen, D. verwijlen, Goth. hveilan, gahveilan.] To loiter. [Obs. or rare.] Spectator.