The Collaborative International Dictionary
Nonce \Nonce\ (n[o^]ns), n. [For the nonce, OE. for the nones, a corruption of for then ones, where n. in then is a relic of AS. m in [eth]am, dat. of the article and demonstrative pronoun, E. the. See For, Once, and The.] The one or single occasion; the present call or purpose; -- chiefly used in the phrase
for the nonce, i. e. for the present time.
The miller was a stout carl for the nones.
--Chaucer.
And that he calls for drink, I 'll have prepared him
A chalice for the nonce.
--Shak.
Nonce word, ``a word apparently employed only for the
nonce''.
--Murray (New English Dict.).
Wiktionary
adv. (context idiomatic English) for the time being, with the expectation that the situation may change.
Usage examples of "for the nonce".
The Royal Raven may hide from me, for the nonce, but no mortal could do itsave thee.
The Royal Raven may hide from me, for the nonce, but no mortal could do it—.
After a morning of inspecting ships, Jorian bid the broker farewell for the nonce.
His thirst for knowledge satisfied for the nonce, he put the book away, stowed his spectacles in the case attached to his collar, and ambled out.
The boots and rotted pillowtick coat had been left behind for the nonce on the town side of the bridge.
There was no light revealed above, and as my hands went higher I knew that my climb was for the nonce ended.
We've held the enemy along this line for two days now but it looks like they've given up unsupported frontal charges for the nonce.