This

This This ([th][i^]s), pron. & a.; pl. {These} ([th][=e]z). [OE. this, thes, AS. [eth][=e]s, masc., [eth]e['o]s, fem., [eth]is, neut.; akin to OS. these, D. deze, G. dieser, OHG. diser, deser, Icel. [thorn]essi; originally from the definite article + a particle -se, -si; cf. Goth. sai behold. See {The}, {That}, and cf. {These}, {Those}.] 1. As a demonstrative pronoun, this denotes something that is present or near in place or time, or something just mentioned, or that is just about to be mentioned. [1913 Webster]

When they heard this, they were pricked in their heart. --Acts ii. 37. [1913 Webster]

But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched. --Matt. xxiv. 43. [1913 Webster]

2. As an adjective, this has the same demonstrative force as the pronoun, but is followed by a noun; as, this book; this way to town. [1913 Webster]

Note: This may be used as opposed or correlative to that, and sometimes as opposed to other or to a second this. See the Note under {That}, 1. [1913 Webster]

This way and that wavering sails they bend. --Pope. [1913 Webster]

A body of this or that denomination is produced. --Boyle. [1913 Webster]

Their judgment in this we may not, and in that we need not, follow. --Hooker. [1913 Webster]

Consider the arguments which the author had to write this, or to design the other, before you arraign him. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

Thy crimes . . . soon by this or this will end. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

Note: This, like a, every, that, etc., may refer to a number, as of years, persons, etc., taken collectively or as a whole. [1913 Webster]

This twenty years have I been with thee.. --Gen. xxxi. 38. [1913 Webster]

I have not wept this years; but now My mother comes afresh into my eyes. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]