subs. phr. (old).—A long time: proverbial.

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  1519.  The Four Elements [HALLIWELL].

        That is the best daunce without a pype,
That I saw this SEVEN YERE.

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  1579.  The Mariage of Witt and Wisdome. Thay ware not so hack this SEUEN YEER!

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  1600.  SHAKESPEARE, Much Ado about Nothing, iii. 3. He has been a vile thief this SEVEN YEAR.

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