Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Forsooth
For-sooth′
,adv.
In truth; in fact; certainly; very well; – formerly used as an expression of deference or respect, especially to woman; now used ironically or contemptuously.
A fit man,
forsooth
, to govern a realm! Hayward.
Our old English word
forsooth
has been changed for the French madam
. Guardian.
For-sooth′
,Verb.
T.
To address respectfully with the term forsooth.
[Obs.]
The captain of the “Charles” had
forsoothed
her, though he knew her well enough and she him. Pepys.
For-sooth′
,Noun.
A person who used forsooth much; a very ceremonious and deferential person.
[R.]
You sip so like a
forsooth
of the city. B. Jonson.
Webster 1828 Edition
Forsooth
FORSOOTH'
, adv.In truth; in fact; certainly; very well.
A fit man, forsooth, to govern a realm.
It is generally used in an ironical or contemptuous sense.
Definition 2024
forsooth
forsooth
English
Adverb
forsooth (comparative more forsooth, superlative most forsooth)
- (archaic or poetic, as an intensifier, often ironic) indeed, truthfully, really
- Hayward
- A fit man, forsooth, to govern a realm!
- ~1603, William Shakespeare, Othello, Act I, scene I, line 20:
- And what was he?/ Forsooth, a great arithmetician
- 1960, P. G. Wodehouse, Jeeves in the Offing, chapter VIII:
- Her eyes widened. She squeaked a bit. “Don't tell me she caught you bending again?” “Bending is right. I was half-way under the dressing-table. You and your singing,” I said, and I'm not sure I didn't add the word “Forsooth!” Her eyes widened a bit further, and she squeaked another squeak.
- Hayward