-a-
conjEtymology From earlier a (attested by the 14th c.), as a contraction of and and its various Middle English forms.
1
And
- Chem a laced well-a-fine aread1746, Exmoor Scolding, 3rd edition, section 81:
-a-
interfixEtymology From of a (as in half-a-crown) or of (as in jack-a-napes from Middle English Jak of Naples). Some terms have fully incorporated the use, as ragamuffin and jackanape(s); others arise from mistaken assimilation to the form, as all-a-gog and cock-a-leekie.
1
Morpheme Connective interfix used in forming compounds, often no longer carrying a distinct meaning.
- Derived terms
- blackamoor, cock-a-hoop, cock-a-leekie, half-a-crown, jack-a-dandy, jack-a-lantern, Jack-a-Lent, jack-a-napes, jackanape, John-a-dreams, ragamuffin