A (usually) North American version of the European English 'Naught', meaning nothing, although in the case of aught, it is primarily used in the numeric case. Most commonly used in dates ('Back in aught-four...') or in weaponry (The Thirty-aught-six, though the spelling "Thirty-ought-six" is much more common).

This word is seldom used by young people, but it stands a chance of being put back into fashion due to it now being the 21st Century, and we can start using 'aught' again.

Aught (?), Aucht (?), n. [AS. ht, fr. agan to own, p. p. ahte.]

Property; possession.

[Scot.]

Sir W. Scott.

 

© Webster 1913.


Aught (?), n. [OE. aught, ought, awiht, AS. awiht, a ever + wiht. 136. See Aye ever, and Whit, Wight.]

Anything; any part.

[Also written ought.]

There failed not aught of any good thing which the Lord has spoken. Josh. xxi. 45

But go, my son, and see if aught be wanting. Addison.

<-- p. 101 -->

 

© Webster 1913.


Aught (?), adv.

At all; in any degree.

Chaucer.

 

© Webster 1913.

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