Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- adverb dated Hyperbolic extension to
needs , meaning "must necessarily"
Etymologies
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Examples
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milosrdenstvi commented on the word must needs
So I read this phrase a lot in old books. Anybody have a clue as to why they would actually say it this way, instead of "must" or "needs to" as we would in modern syntax?
January 7, 2010
ruzuzu commented on the word must needs
It would seem that the "needs" is an adverb, but you must needs read the explanation here (for example).
January 7, 2010
dontcry commented on the word must needs
Shoes: They are "must needs."
January 7, 2010
Jubjub commented on the word must needs
Oh no! I've spilt perfume on my legs. I have musk-knees!
January 7, 2010
PossibleUnderscore commented on the word must needs
Is there a list of 'must needs'?
There should be.
January 7, 2010
ruzuzu commented on the word must needs
PossibleUnderscore, you must needs make that list!
January 7, 2010
PossibleUnderscore commented on the word must needs
Ok! But I need help thinking of a List Description.
January 8, 2010
ruzuzu commented on the word must needs
Hm. Thus far it looks like we've listed things we might need and things that might be musty. Does that help? :-)
January 8, 2010