1 definition found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
This \This\ ([th][i^]s), pron. & a.; pl. {These} ([th][=e]z).
[OE. this, thes, AS. [eth][=e]s, masc., [eth]e['o]s, fem.,
[eth]is, neut.; akin to OS. these, D. deze, G. dieser, OHG.
diser, deser, Icel. [thorn]essi; originally from the definite
article + a particle -se, -si; cf. Goth. sai behold. See
{The}, {That}, and cf. {These}, {Those}.]
1. As a demonstrative pronoun, this denotes something that is
present or near in place or time, or something just
mentioned, or that is just about to be mentioned.
When they heard this, they were pricked in their
heart. --Acts ii. 37.
But know this, that if the good man of the house had
known in what watch the thief would come, he would
have watched. --Matt. xxiv.
43.
2. As an adjective, this has the same demonstrative force as
the pronoun, but is followed by a noun; as, this book;
this way to town.
Note: This may be used as opposed or correlative to that, and
sometimes as opposed to other or to a second this. See
the Note under {That}, 1.
This way and that wavering sails they bend.
--Pope.
A body of this or that denomination is produced.
--Boyle.
Their judgment in this we may not, and in that we
need not, follow. --Hooker.
Consider the arguments which the author had to
write this, or to design the other, before you
arraign him. --Dryden.
Thy crimes . . . soon by this or this will end.
--Addison.
Note: This, like a, every, that, etc., may refer to a number,
as of years, persons, etc., taken collectively or as a
whole.
This twenty years have I been with thee.. --Gen.
xxxi. 38.
I have not wept this years; but now My mother
comes afresh into my eyes. --Dryden.