[f. AFTER- 7, 8.] arch.
† 1. Later knowledge; the knowledge of riper years or later times. Obs.
a. 1600. Hooker, Eccl. Politie, VI. 313. The after-wit of later days hath found out another more exquisite distinction.
1653. Gauden, Hieraspistes, 12. Those, that have now attained their after-wits.
a. 1680. Butler, Rem. (1759), 156. Your after-wit is like to be your best.
† 2. Second thought, reconsideration. Obs.
1607. A. F., in Topsell’s Four-footed Beasts (1673), 142. Which delay hath made somewhat better, and ‘deuterai phrontides,’ after wit, more meet to be perused.
3. esp. Wisdom after the event, that comes too late.
1579. Gosson, Sch. Abuse (Arb.), 18. Afterwittes are euer best, burnt Children dread the fire.
1586. G. Whitney, in Farr’s S. P. (1845), I. 206. After-witts are like a shower of rayne, Which moistes the soile when witherd is the graine.
1656. Trapp, Exp. Matt. xxv. 11 (1868), 254/1. Jehoshaphat in temporals was ever wise too late … and paid for his after-wit.
1736. Bailey (Fol.), Prov. ‘After wit is everybody’s wit!’
† 4. Hence, Recognition of former folly, practical repentance, a ‘coming to one’s senses.’ Obs.
1509. Hawes, Past. Pleas., XX. v. Who that is ruled by her higher estate, Of hys after wytte shall never be shent.
1660. Swinnock[e], Door Salv. Opened, 101. Μετάνοια signifieth … After-wit, a change of the mind, or making wise for the future.
