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[*] 611. All of these words are used also in the sense of while, so long as, and have the constructions of ordinary relative clauses (514). In common with dum, donec, and quoad in Latin, and while or whiles in Elizabethan English,1 they mean not only during the time when, but also up to the time when. As relatives, in the former sense they can have an antecedent like τέως, so long, ἕως etc. meaning as; in the latter sense they can have one like μέχρι τούτου, down to that time, ἕως etc. supplementing this by at which or when. The idea of a clause with until is that the action (or negation) of the leading clause continues to a time at which that of the dependent clause takes place. That the former action then ceases is an inference generally made, but not positively implied in the language, and not necessary. Our word until thus includes what the Greek may express by μέχρι τούτου ἕως or (omitting the antecedent) by ἕως alone. Τέως is occasionally used like ἕως, as in DEM. xxi. 16.
1 “He shall conceal it whiles (= until) you are willing it shall come to note.” Shakespeare. Twelfth Night, iv. 3.
Macmillan. London, Melbourne, Toronto. 1889. reprint edition:. St. Martin's Press. New York. 1965.
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