many a time and oft

alternative many a time and often

1. archaicidiomaticliterarynot comparableFrequently.

   Signor Antonio, many a time and oft In the Rialto you have rated me About my monies, and my usances:

   c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene iii]

   3 more examples

   And all that winter, when at night The wind blew from the mountain-peak, 'Twas worth your while, though in the dark, The church-yard path to seek: For many a time and oft were heard Cries coming from the mountain-head:

   1798, William Wordsworth, “The Thorn”, in Henry Reed, editor, The Complete Poetical Works of William Wordsworth, published 1851, page 183

   "How? And art thou indeed Little John, and Robin Hood's own right-hand man? Many a time and oft I heard of thee, but never did I hope to set eyes upon thee.[…]"

   1883, Howard Pyle, “How Little John Lived at the Sherriff’s”, in The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood […], New York, N.Y.: […] Charles Scribner’s Sons […], →OCLC

   The three girl friends were seated on the rocks, enjoying the evening scene and the air which was fresh but not too chilly. Many a time and oft were they wont to come there to that favourite nook to have a cosy chat beside the sparkling waves and discuss matters feminine,[…].

   1922 February 2, James Joyce, “[Episode 13: Nausicäa]”, in Ulysses, Paris: Shakespeare and Company […], →OCLC