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What is "ere long"

The Collaborative International Dictionary
Ere long

Ere \Ere\ ([=a]r or [^a]r; 277), prep. & adv. [AS. [=ae]r, prep., adv., & conj.; akin to OS., OFries., & OHG. [=e]r, G. eher, D. eer, Icel. [=a]r, Goth. air. [root]204. Cf. Early, Erst, Or, adv.]

  1. Before; sooner than. [Archaic or Poetic]

    Myself was stirring ere the break of day.
    --Shak.

    Ere sails were spread new oceans to explore.
    --Dryden.

    Sir, come down ere my child die.
    --John iv. 49.

  2. Rather than.

    I will be thrown into Etna, . . . ere I will leave her.
    --Shak.

    Ere long, before, shortly.
    --Shak.

    Ere now, formerly, heretofore.
    --Shak.

    Ere that, & Or are. Same as Ere.
    --Shak.

Usage examples of "ere long".

But ere long it escaped our skill, and we dared not continue the hunt.

Seat thee upon the settle, Alleyne, for you may need rest ere long.

The good is, that he has given his consent to our union, which I trust will ere long be consummated.