hwilom

hwilom is a term that appears in Old English literature, primarily in the context of poetry. Its exact meaning and usage can be somewhat ambiguous and subject to scholarly interpretation. Generally, hwilom is understood to be an adverb that signifies a period of time, often translating to "at times," "sometimes," "formerly," or "in the past." It suggests a temporal distance or a state that existed or occurred previously, but not necessarily continuously.

The word is derived from the Old English word "hwil," meaning "while" or "time." The "-om" ending likely indicates a dative plural or an adverbial suffix, further reinforcing its temporal and often indefinite nature. In poetic contexts, hwilom can be used to evoke a sense of nostalgia, to contrast past situations with the present, or to introduce a narrative element that refers to an earlier event. Its presence contributes to the rich tapestry of Old English vocabulary used to describe the passage of time and the shifting nature of existence. Scholars analyze its specific placement and surrounding words to refine its meaning within individual texts, recognizing that its precise nuance can vary.