advb. phr. arch. Forms: 4 a-twayn, 4–5 a-twene, atweyn(e, 7 atwaine, 6– atwain. [f. A prep.1 + TWAIN. Cf. A-TWO.]

1

  1.  In or into two parts; in two.

2

1377.  Langl., P. Pl., B. VII. 116. And pieres for pure tene pulled it atweyne.

3

c. 1485.  Digby Myst. (1882), I. 540. A sharpe Sward of Sorowe shall cleve hir hert atweyn.

4

1634.  A. Huish. Now earth’s black mantle’s cut atwaine.

5

1870.  Morris, Earthly Par., II. III. 344. Upon a stone the ring smote, and atwain It broke.

6

  2.  Away from each other, asunder. Cf. ATWIN.

7

1870.  Morris, Earthly Par., II. III. 74. This bitter morn That joy and me atwain hath torn.

8