also twer, abbreviation of it were (= it would be), formerly common, now poetic or archaic: see IT.
1567. Turbervile, Egloge, ii. 13. An other iumpes as twere an Oxe.
1605. Shaks., Macb., I. vii. 1. If it were done,… then ’twer well, It were done quickly. Ibid. (1607), Cor., IV. iv. 15. Friends … who Twin (as ’twere) in Loue, Vnseparable.
1614. Gorges, Lucan, X. 448. Thus doubtfull musing whether tweare Fitter to die or basely feare.
1808. [see IT A. γ].
1832. Tennyson, To J. S., 66. ’Twere better I should cease.
