nonce Hear it!

nonce definition

nonce (näns)

noun

the present use, occasion, or time; time being: chiefly in for the nonce

Etymology: ME (for the) nones, formed by syllabic merging < (for then) ones, lit., the once: then is the dat. sing. of the def. art.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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In Australia in my experience, 'nonce' is slang for idiot, fool, clot - as in 'don't be a nonce'.

Posted by Geraldine Robertson 62 days ago.

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