D defs.my
Entry 3 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913

Forsooth

/fôr-sōōth′/ · For·sooth · IPA /fɔɹˈsuθ/
01 adv. In truth; in fact; certainly; very well; -- formerly used as an expression of deference or respect, especially to woman; now used ironicall…
  1. 1.
    In truth; in fact; certainly; very well; -- formerly used as an expression of deference or respect, especially to woman; now used ironically or contemptuously.
    “A fit man, forsooth, to govern a realm!” — Hayward.
    “Our old English word forsooth has been changed for the French madam.” — Guardian.
02 v. t. To address respectfully with the term forsooth.
  1. 1.
    To address respectfully with the term forsooth.[Obs.]
    “The captain of the “Charles” had forsoothed her, though he knew her well enough and she him.” Pepys.
03 n. A person who used forsooth much; a very ceremonious and deferential person.
  1. 1.
    A person who used forsooth much; a very ceremonious and deferential person.[R.]
    “You sip so like a forsooth of the city.” B. Jonson.