quoth

The raven quoth, "Nevermore."

Definition

1. Verb (archaic):
   • To say: "quoth" is a past tense form meaning "said," used exclusively in the first and third person singular (e.g., "quoth I," "quoth he"). It is now obsolete in modern English, found only in historical or literary contexts.

Usage Examples

• (The raven said "Nevermore.")
• (I said, "This is a strange tale.")

Advanced Usage

• "quoth he" / "quoth she": A fixed phrase used to attribute speech to a speaker, often in narrative poetry or prose.
  • "Quoth he, 'I shall return by dawn.'" (He said he would return by dawn.)
• "quoth the ...": Used with a noun to indicate the speaker, especially in dramatic or humorous contexts.
  • "Quoth the ghost, 'Beware the night!'" (The ghost said to beware the night.)

Variants and Related Words

• Quotha (archaic interjection): An exclamation expressing surprise or irony, derived from "quoth he."
  • "Quotha! What a fool he is!" (An expression of mock surprise.)

Synonyms

• Said: the modern equivalent.
• Spoke: another past tense verb for speaking.

Related Idioms

• Quoth the raven, 'Nevermore': A famous line from Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven," symbolizing finality or despair.
  • When asked if he would return, he replied like quoth the raven, 'Nevermore.' (He indicated an absolute refusal.)

Notes on Usage

• "Quoth" is strictly archaic and not used in contemporary conversation or writing except for stylistic effect in poetry, historical fiction, or parody. It always precedes the subject (e.g., "quoth he," never "he quoth").