forsooth Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adverb an archaic word originally meaning `in truth' but now usually used to express disbelief

WordNet

For*sooth" adverb
Etymology
AS. forsoth; for, prep. + soth sooth, truth. See For, prep., and Sooth.
Definitions
  1. In truth; in fact; certainly; very well; -- formerly used as an expression of deference or respect, especially to woman; now used ironically or contemptuously.
    A fit man, forsooth, to govern a realm! Hayward.
    Our old English word forsooth has been changed for the French madam. Guardian.
For*sooth" transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To address respectfully with the term forsooth. Obs.
    The captain of the "Charles" had forsoothed her, though he knew her well enough and she him. Pepys.
For*sooth" noun
Definitions
  1. A person who used forsooth much; a very ceremonious and deferential person. R.
    You sip so like a forsooth of the city. B. Jonson.

Webster 1913