nonce

Definition

The one or single occasion; the present reason or purpose.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English nonse, nones, a rebracketing of Middle English to þen anes, for þen anes (to/for the once (i.e., the one occasion or instance)), from the dative singular neuter of þe. The cryptography sense is commonly said to be a contraction of number used once, although this is probably incorrect.

Example Sentences

• "That will do for the nonce, but we'll need a better answer for the long term."
• "[...] Dunce, / Dotard, a-dozing at the very nonce, / After a life spent training for the sight!"
• "'Idiot!' exclaimed the doctor, who for the nonce was not capable of more than such spasmodic attempts at utterance."