Meaning of not but | Babel Free

Definitions

Introducing a subordinate clause, frequently with that: "it is not that (the following clause) is not the case".

archaic

Examples

“Spenser's Calendar, in Mr Dryden's opinion, is the most complete work of this kind which any nation has produced ever since the time of Virgil. Not but that he may be thought imperfect in some few points.”

“[H]e did not fail to be extremely disconcerted at his first entrance into a scene of life to which he was totally a stranger. Not but that he met with abundance of people in the country […].”

“Not but your father has good qualities, and I assure you I remember him a very fine gentleman himself.”

“This was the only very severe thing I ever said in my Life; not but that I have often felt myself extremely satirical but it was the only time I ever made my feelings public.”

“I believe you they dread him. Not but what he's artful, even in his defiance of them.”

CEFR level