adv. phr. Besides its obvious import (see AS A 3, 5, and FAST), this combination had formerly the sense of: As fast as might be, very quickly, straightway, immediately (Fr. aussitôt). Cf. ASSOON, ASTITE.
c. 1374. Chaucer, Troylus, V. 1641. And such a case betide, and that as fast, That Troilus well understood that she N’as nat so kind as that her ought to be.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., Asfaste, or a-noon [1499 asfast, or anone] Statim, confestim, protinus, mox.
