Dictionary entry

Since

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Since (sĭns), adv. [For sins, contr. fr. OE. sithens, sithenes, formed by an adverbial ending (cf. Besides) from OE. sithen, also shortened into sithe, sin, AS. siððan, syððan, seoððan, afterward, then, since, after; properly, after that; fr. sīð after, later, adv. and prep. (originally a comparative adv., akin to OS. sīð afterward, since, OHG. sīd, G. seit since, Goth. seiþus late, ni þanaseiþs no longer) + ðon instrumental of the demonstrative and article. See That.] 1. From a definite past time until now; as, he went a month ago, and I have not seen him since.

We since become the slaves to one man's lust. B. Jonson.

2. In the time past, counting backward from the present; before this or now; ago.

How many ages since has Virgil writ? Roscommon.

About two years since, it so fell out, that he was brought to a great lady's house. Sir P. Sidney.

3. When or that.

Do you remember since we lay all night in the windmill in St. George's field? Shak.