An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. Not ever; at no time.
   

2. Not at all; absolutely not.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.E. næfre “never,” compound of ne “not, no,”
→ un- + æfre “ever.”

Etymology (PE): Hargez, variant hagarz; Mid.Pers. hagriz, hakarc “ever, always, never;” O.Pers. hakarnciy “once”; Av. hakərət “once;” cf. Skt. sakrt “once; repeated; ever; never;” Gk. hapax “once;” L. semel “once,” semper “always;” PIE *smkrt.