conj. [prop. a phrase all be it (that); in full, all though it be that. This is only a particular instance of all with a verb in subjunctive (see ALL adv. 10), in which the conjunctive phrase becomes a quasi-word. The nom. pron. it was also often dropped, whence the shorter all be, ALBE. Before the synthesis was complete, all be it had, in past tense, all were it.]
1. Even though it be (that); admitting (that).
c. 1460. Fortescue, Abs. & Lim. Mon. (1714), 30. Albeit that the Frenche Kyng’s Revenuz be … miche gretter.
1603. Knolles, Hist. Turkes (1621), 1150. Albeit that a great number of them were slain, yet fell they out again.
1862. C. Stretton, Chequered Life, I. 125. From that day to this we have never met—albeit that he has had my best wishes.
† b. Pa. t. Even though it were. Obs.
c. 1374. Chaucer, Boethius (1868), 5. Al were it so þat sche was ful of so greet age.
2. That omitted: Even though it be that; even though, although, though.
c. 1385. Chaucer, Leg. G. Wom., 1359. I may well leese a worde on yow, or letter, Albeit I shal be never the better.
c. 1420. Chron. Vilod., 530. He had gret fere, Albut þaw hit ner no nede.
1532. More, Confut. Tindale, Wks. 1557, 688/2. All bee it he coulde not saye naye.
1611. Shaks., Cymb., II. iii. 61. A worthy Fellow, Albeit he comes on angry purpose now.
1805. Southey, Madoc in W., i. Wks. V. 8. I shall live to see the day, Albeit the number of my years well nigh Be full.
1878. Lever, Jack Hinton, xxvi. 184. Their voices, too, albeit the accent was provincial, were soft and musical.
3. In contr. clause: Even though, even if, although.
1795. Southey, Joan of Arc, I. 365. And I am well content to dwell in peace, Albeit inglorious.
1847. Thackeray, Van. Fair, xix. (1879), I. 198. When a certain (albeit uncertain) morrow is in view.
1853. Kane, Grinnell Exp., xxvii. (1856), 225. The sun, albeit from a lowly altitude, shone out in full brightness.
