adv. arch. [coalescence of the two OE. forms on niht (see A-NIGHT), and nihtes advb. gen. (cf. Where do you go of a night?), both = L. noctu. Thus simply = a-night, though the -s has often been taken as a plural sign, and has tended to give a more habitual sense.]
[918. O. E. Chron. Þa bestælon hie hie þeah nihtes.
a. 1250. Owl & Night., 219. Þu singest a niht. Ibid., 238. Þu flihst nihtes.]
c. 1440. Gesta Rom., 6. The lady a-roose on nyghtes [v.r. rose a-nyghtes] for to here his songe.
1577. Test. 12 Patriarchs, 72. Leachery and covetousness … walk abroad as well a nights as of days.
1601. Shaks., Jul. C., I. ii. 193. Sleeke-headed men, and such as sleepe a-nights.
1647. R. Stapylton, Juvenal, 104. They lodged a-nights in hollow trees.
1673. Shadwell, Epson Wells, II. Wks. III. 221. To sit up a-nights late.
1838. H. C. Robinson, Diary, III. 152. She used to go out a-nights with her face hid up in her cloak.
