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What is shakespeares definition of aught?

Shakespeare didn't have a personal definition of "aught" as it's not a unique term he coined. "Aught" is an archaic word meaning "anything" or "something." Shakespeare used it in this general sense throughout his works.

Here are some examples:

* "If aught within that little seeming substance, or aught within that little seeming substance, be there indeed, which harms you, and makes you pale…" (The Tempest, Act 1, Scene 2) - Here, "aught" means "anything" or "something" that might be harming the character.

* "But if thou, jealous, dost return to pry, In what I farther shall intend to do, By heaven, I'll shake thee from me, like a serpent! And, look upon thee, as I would on thee, If thou wert venomous and full of naught…" (Othello, Act 3, Scene 3) - Here, "naught" means "evil" or "wickedness," emphasizing the negative nature of suspicion.

* "I have more cause to be sad than you have cause to be proud, for I am a man of many troubles, and if I had aught to do with the death of the king, I would gladly give my life for him…" (Hamlet, Act 4, Scene 7) - This example shows "aught" meaning "anything" that could relate to the character's potential involvement in the king's death.

So, Shakespeare's use of "aught" is consistent with its general meaning in Old English and Middle English literature. He utilizes it to convey the concept of "anything" or "something," often with implications of uncertainty or potential harm.

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