Quoth: meaning, definitions and examples

archaic usage

Quoth is an archaic form of the verb 'to say,' primarily found in poetry or older literature. It indicates the act of speaking or expressing something, often with a connotation of quoting someone directly. This term is particularly associated with literary works, where it is used to add a formal or dramatic quality to dialogue. While not commonly used in modern English, it can still be encountered in older texts and quotations.

declared, said, stated, uttered.

Examples of usage

• Quoth the raven, 'Nevermore.'

• Quoth he, 'I shall return soon.'

• She quoth the famous lines from Shakespeare.

• The historian quoth many ancient texts.

• He quoth, 'To be or not to be.'