Rather
Rather (rat"ẽr) , adjective
[Compar. of Rath, a.]
Prior; earlier; former. [Obsolete]
Now no man dwelleth at the rather town.
Rather (rat"ẽr; 277) , adverb
[Anglo-Saxon hraeor, compar. of hraee, hraee, quickly, immediately. See Rath, a.]
1.
Earlier; sooner; before. [Obsolete]
Thou shalt, quod he, be rather false than I.
A good mean to come the rather to grace.
2.
More readily or willingly; preferably.
My soul chooseth... death rather than my life.
3.
On the other hand; to the contrary of what was said or suggested; instead.
Was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse.
4.
Of two alternatives conceived of, this by preference to, or as more likely than, the other; somewhat.
He sought throughout the world, but sought in vain,
And nowhere finding, rather feared her slain.
5.
More properly; more correctly speaking.
This is an art
Which does mend nature, change it rather, but
The art itself is nature.
6.
In some degree; somewhat; as, the day is rather warm; the house is rather damp.
You are come to me in happy time,
The rather for I have some sport in hand.