Fyrstan

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Old English verb meaning to pause, linger, or hold back for a period before acting
2. An archaic verb describing the act of waiting or remaining in one place for a while
3. A word from Old English meaning to tarry, dally, or postpone an action for some time

Etymology: In Old English, "fyrstan" was a verb meaning to wait, delay, or stay in one place for a while. It was built on the noun "fyrst," which meant a space of time, a while, or an interval. That noun has all but vanished from modern English, leaving no trace in everyday speech. The noun is related to the word "first," which has a surprising connection to time. The Old English "fyrst" that gave us the verb also gave rise to the adjective "first" in the sense of foremost in order. "First" is generally traced to a Proto-Germanic superlative, probably built on a root meaning "before," so the "first" in "first place" and the "first" in "first while" are likely cousins that split apart centuries ago.