In vague or indefinite use. An indefinite period of time approximating to a week.

A short time or (less commonly) distance. Chiefly in after a little, for a little, in a little.

A (short) period of time. Obsolete.

A time, while; a short time, moment. Obsolete exc. dialect.

A short space of time, a moment. Chiefly Scottish in later use.

Used somewhat indefinitely for a short or limited space of time, more or less than an hour.

Originally, the length of the furrow in the common field, which was theoretically regarded as a… a short distance, hence the time taken in walking…

A portion of time or space. A period or space of time, esp. a short one; a while. Also: a part of a day, hour, etc. Now regional (chiefly U.S., Sc…

A short time.

a short time.

A short period or span of time; a moment, an instant. Cf. hand-while, n.

A short time; a snatch. Obsolete. rare.

A brief period of time; a short space. Obsolete.

A brief period, short space (of time).

In various uses originally transferred from 3. †The time during which a ‘fit’ lasts, a ‘spell’, short period (obsolete). Also, a spell of weather…

A short space of time; a brief period. Esp. in for a spurt.

(a) A short period (of time). (b) Short stature. Obsolete.

A short space of time, esp. as the duration of human life; the (short) time during which a person lives.

colloq. A short while; a short space of time.

†(a) a short space of time (obsolete); (b) (enough) time to think.

= thinking time n.

A very short length of time.

A short period of time. rare.

A short time.

Something of small importance; a trifle. Also, a short space of time, a moment.