- Every now and then
- Every Ev"er*y, a. & a. pron. [OE. everich, everilk; AS.
[=ae]fre ever + [ae]lc each. See {Ever}, {each}.]
1. All the parts which compose a whole collection or
aggregate number, considered in their individuality, all
taken separately one by one, out of an indefinite number.
[1913 Webster]
Every man at his best state is altogether vanity. --Ps. xxxix. 5. [1913 Webster]
Every door and window was adorned with wreaths of flowers. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
2. Every one. Cf. {Each}. [Obs.] ``Every of your wishes.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Daily occasions given to every of us. --Hooker. [1913 Webster]
{Every each}, every one. [Obs.] ``Every each of them hath some vices.'' --Burton..
{Every now and then}, at short intervals; occasionally; repeatedly; frequently. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]
Note: Every may, by way of emphasis, precede the article the with a superlative adjective; as, every, the least variation. --Locke.
Syn: {Every}, {Each}, {Any}.
Usage: Any denotes one, or some, taken indifferently from the individuals which compose a class. Every differs from each in giving less prominence to the selection of the individual. Each relates to two or more individuals of a class. It refers definitely to every one of them, denoting that they are considered separately, one by one, all being included; as, each soldier was receiving a dollar per day. Every relates to more than two and brings into greater prominence the notion that not one of all considered is excepted; as, every soldier was on service, except the cavalry, that is, all the soldiers, etc. [1913 Webster]
In each division there were four pentecosties, in every pentecosty four enomoties, and of each enomoty there fought in the front rank four [soldiers]. --Jowett (Thucyd. ). [1913 Webster]
If society is to be kept together and the children of Adam to be saved from setting up each for himself with every one else his foe. --J. H. Newman. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
