times out of mind

Noun

time out of mind (plural times out of mind)

1. (idiomatic) The distant past beyond anyone's memory.
   • But though this Kingdom of China doth often change its Lord and Name, the Chineſes however have time out of mind called it by two other particular names, as Chungchoa, and Chungque ; the firſt whereof ſignifies The Middle Kingdom ; and the other, the Middle Garden.1669, John Nievhoff, translated by John Ogilby, An Embassy from the Eaſt-India Company of the United Provinces, to the Grand Tartar Cham Emperour of China, London: John Macock, →OCLC, pages 4–5
2. (idiomatic) A lengthy duration of time, longer than is readily remembered.
   • They were Episcopalians, and for time out of mind had rented a half-pew in the church of their denomination on California Street.1899, Frank Norris, chapter 1, in Blix

   Synonyms:

   time immemorial

See all 3 meanings of time out of mind