dictionary definitions for "once and again"


From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Once \Once\ (w[u^]ns), adv. [OE. ones, anes, an adverbial form
     fr. one, on, an, one. See One-, -Wards.]
     1. For one time; by limitation to the number one; not twice
        nor any number of times more than one.
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              Ye shall . . . go round about the city once. --Josh.
                                                    vi. 3.
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              Trees that bear mast are fruitful but once in two
              years.                                --Bacon.
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     2. At some one period of time; -- used indefinitely.
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              My soul had once some foolish fondness for thee.
                                                    --Addison.
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              That court which we shall once govern. --Bp. Hall.
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     3. At any one time; -- often nearly equivalent to ever, if
        ever, or whenever; as, once kindled, it may not be
        quenched.
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              Wilt thou not be made clean? When shall it once be?
                                                    --Jer. xiii.
                                                    27.
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              To be once in doubt
              Is once to be resolved.               --Shak.
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     Note: Once is used as a noun when preceded by this or that;
           as, this once, that once. It is also sometimes used
           elliptically, like an adjective, for once-existing.
           "The once province of Britain." --J. N. Pomeroy.
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     At once.
        (a) At the same point of time; immediately; without delay.
            "Stand not upon the order of your going, but go at
            once." --Shak. "I . . . withdrew at once and
            altogether." --Jeffrey.
        (b) At one and the same time; simultaneously; in one body;
            as, they all moved at once.
  
     Once and again, once and once more; repeatedly. "A dove
        sent forth once and again, to spy." --Milton.
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