The Collaborative International Dictionary
Betime \Be*time"\, Betimes \Be*times"\, adv. [Pref. be- (for by) + time; that is, by the proper time. The -s is an adverbial ending.]
-
In good season or time; before it is late; seasonably; early.
To measure life learn thou betimes.
--Milton.To rise betimes is often harder than to do all the day's work.
--Barrow. -
In a short time; soon; speedily; forth with.
He tires betimes that spurs too fast betimes.
--Shak.
Wiktionary
Etymology 1 vb. (context intransitive English) To occur; betide. Etymology 2
adv. betimes
Usage examples of "betime".
Tomorrow is Saint Valentine's day, All in the morning betime, And I a maid at your window To be your Valentine Then up he rose and donned his clothes, And dupped the chamber door.
For the death rite of one of lesser station, this would betime for the guests to file away, leaving those closest tothe departed to a time of private mourning.