\This\ ([th][i^]s), pron. & a.; pl. {These} ([th][=e]z).
[OE. this, thes, AS. [eth][=e]s, masc., [eth]e['o]s, fem.,
[eth]is, neut.; akin to OS. these, D. deze, G. dieser, OHG.
diser, deser, Icel. [thorn]essi; originally from the definite
article + a particle -se, -si; cf. Goth. sai behold. See
{The}, {That}, and cf. {These}, {Those}.]
1. As a demonstrative pronoun, this denotes something that is
   present or near in place or time, or something just
   mentioned, or that is just about to be mentioned.
         When they heard this, they were pricked in their
         heart.                                --Acts ii. 37.
         But know this, that if the good man of the house had
         known in what watch the thief would come, he would
         have watched.                         --Matt. xxiv.
                                               43.
2. As an adjective, this has the same demonstrative force as
   the pronoun, but is followed by a noun; as, this book;
   this way to town.
Note: This may be used as opposed or correlative to that, and
      sometimes as opposed to other or to a second this. See
      the Note under {That}, 1.
            This way and that wavering sails they bend.
                                               --Pope.
            A body of this or that denomination is produced.
                                               --Boyle.
            Their judgment in this we may not, and in that we
            need not, follow.                  --Hooker.
            Consider the arguments which the author had to
            write this, or to design the other, before you
            arraign him.                       --Dryden.
            Thy crimes . . . soon by this or this will end.
                                               --Addison.
Note: This, like a, every, that, etc., may refer to a number,
      as of years, persons, etc., taken collectively or as a
      whole.
            This twenty years have I been with thee.. --Gen.
                                               xxxi. 38.
            I have not wept this years; but now My mother
            comes afresh into my eyes.         --Dryden.