FORSOOTH

For‐sooth″ (?), adv. [[AS. forsōð; for, prep. + sōð sooth, truth. See For, prep., and Sooth.]] 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.