not but
English
Conjunction
- (now rare, archaic) Introducing a subordinate clause, frequently with that: "it is not that (the following clause) is not the case". [17th–19th c.]
- 1717, Alexander Pope, A Discourse on Pastoral Poetry:
- Spenser's Calendar, in Mr Dryden's opinion, is the most complete work of this kind which any nation has produced ever since the time of Virgil. Not but that he may be thought imperfect in some few points.
- 1768, Isaac Bickerstaff, Lionel and Clarissa:
- Not but your father has good qualities, and I assure you I remember him a very fine gentleman himself.
- 1861, Charles Dickens, Great Expectations:
- “I believe you they dread him. Not but what he's artful, even in his defiance of them.”
- 1717, Alexander Pope, A Discourse on Pastoral Poetry:
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