"Meantime" is an older word meaning "the time between two events" or "the present time." It comes from the Old English "mægen tīma," literally meaning "powerful time."
"In" here functions as a preposition, indicating location or time.
The combination of "in" and "the meantime" expresses the idea of "during this period of time," typically referring to the time between two events, while something else is happening or being done.
Here's a breakdown of the history:
* Old English: *mægen tīma* (powerful time)
* Middle English: *meane tyme*
* Modern English: *meantime*
The phrase "in the meantime" is first documented in the 14th century and has been used continuously since then.