langsyne, adv. (n.)

Sc.

Long since, long ago. Also n. esp. in auld lang syne. (Somewhat common in English use with allusion to Burns's song.)

1500-20 Dunbar Poems xxiv. 34, I had bene deid langsyne, dowtless. 1570 Satir. Poems Reform. xvii. 3 In eirth lang syne yair had been nothing than, Saif only vice. a1774 Fergusson Poems (1807) 309 Hame-o'er langsyne you hae been blithe to pack. 1788 Burns Auld Lang Syne, For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet, For auld lang syne. 1820 Scott Monast. iv, Like what I hae seen langsyne, when we dwelt at Avenel. 1841 Lytton Nt. & Morn. II. vii, A friend ... of the happy lang syne. 1870 H. Smart Race for Wife ii, In days lang syne.

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