ERSTWHILE
once, formerly, at one time, erstwhile, erst
(adverb) at a previous time; “at one time he loved her”; “her erstwhile writing”; “she was a dancer once”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Adverb
erstwhile (not comparable)
Formerly; in the past.
Synonyms
• erewhile
Adjective
erstwhile (not comparable)
(literary, legal) Former, previous.
Synonyms: former, once, previous, quondam, onetime, Thesaurus:former
(proscribed) Respected, honourable.
Usage notes
The use of erstwhile to mean “respected” stems from a conflation with esteemed in phrases such as erstwhile colleague and is proscribed by most authorities.
Anagrams
• wehrlites
Source: Wiktionary
Erst`while", adv.
Definition: Till then or now; heretofore; formerly. [Archaic]
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition