olden

Definition

From or relating to a previous era.

Etymology

From Middle English olden, probably originally an inflected plural form of old (compare Old English ealdum, dative plural of eald (“old”)), but later reanalysed as equivalent to old + -en (“made of”). Otherwise derived from Old Norse aldinn (“ancient, old”).

Example Sentences

• "olden days, olden times"
• ""You are right to some extent in what you say. In the olden days people had a stronger belief in all kinds of witchery; now they pretend not to believe in it, that they may be looked upon as sensible and educated people, as you say.""
• "In olden days, a glimpse of stockings Was looked on as something shocking; Now, heaven knows, Anything goes."