nonce

[ nons ]

noun

1. the present, or immediate, occasion or purpose (usually used in the phrase for the nonce ).
2. Computers. a randomly or automatically generated and often timestamped number intended for a single use in a communication: used especially in authentication and security protocols.

adjective

1. (of a word or phrase) coined and used only for a particular occasion:

   nonce forms such as “paintrix,” meaning “a female painter.”

nonce

¹

/ nɒns /

noun

1. the present time or occasion (now only in the phrase for the nonce )

nonce

²

/ nɒns /

noun

1. slang:prison.
   a rapist or child molester; a sexual offender

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonce¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English nones, in the phrase for the nones, by faulty division of for then ones “for the once” ( Middle English then, dative singular of the ¹none; ones once none )

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonce¹

C12: from the phrase for the nonce, a mistaken division of for then anes, literally: for the once, from then dative singular of the + anes once

Origin of nonce²

C20: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

He went on to call him a "big bike nonce" and a "pedo defender".

From BBC

The ex Premier League footballer turned manager Mr Barton, 41, had called Mr Vine, 59, a "bike nonce" and "pedo defender".

From BBC

If the hash doesn’t start out as “aaaaa,” it would increase the nonce by one, and start again.

From The Verge

"How can you build good relations with your partners and neglect their interests? This is a nonce."

From Reuters

So let’s just fast-forward to the nonce and be done with it.

From Literature

Related Words

• now
• today