An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Many times; frequently; in many cases.

Etymology (EN): M.E. oftin, from O.E. oft “often, frequently,” akin to cognates: O.Frisian ofta, Danish ofte, O.H.G. ofto, Ger. oft, of unknown origin.

Etymology (PE): Basvân, from bas “many, much,” → frequency, + -vân on the model of farâvân, → abundance.