\Since\ (s[i^]ns), adv. [For sins, contr. fr. OE. sithens,
sithenes, formed by an adverbial ending (cf. {Besides}) from
OE. sithen, also shortened into sithe, sin, AS.
si[eth][eth]an, sy[eth][eth]an, seo[eth][eth]an, afterward,
then, since, after; properly, after that; fr. s[=i][eth]
after, later, adv. and prep. (originally a comparative adv.,
akin to OS. s[=i][eth] afterward, since, OHG. s[=i]d, G. seit
since, Goth. sei[thorn]us late, ni [thorn]anasei[thorn]s no
longer) + [eth]on instrumental of the demonstrative and
article. See {That}.]
1. From a definite past time until now; as, he went a month
   ago, and I have not seen him since.
         We since become the slaves to one man's lust. --B.
                                               Jonson.
2. In the time past, counting backward from the present;
   before this or now; ago.
         How many ages since has Virgil writ?  --Roscommon.
         About two years since, it so fell out, that he was
         brought to a great lady's house.      --Sir P.
                                               Sidney.
3. When or that. [Obs.]
         Do you remember since we lay all night in the
         windmill in St. George's field?       --Shak.

\Since\, prep.
From the time of; in or during the time subsequent to;
subsequently to; after; -- usually with a past event or time
for the object.
      The Lord hath blessed thee, since my coming. --Gen.
                                               xxx. 30.
      I have a model by which he build a nobler poem than any
      extant since the ancients.               --Dryden.

\Since\, conj.
Seeing that; because; considering; -- formerly followed by
that.
      Since that my penitence comes after all, Imploring
      pardon.                                  --Shak.
      Since truth and constancy are vain, Since neither love,
      nor sense of pain, Nor force of reason, can persuade,
      Then let example be obeyed.              --Granville.
Syn: Because; for; as; inasmuch as; considering. See
     {Because}.