prehaps

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

for perhaps, is much used at the West in familiar language when additional force is to be given to the word. It originated in a jocose mispronunciation, which appears to be becoming a fixed corruption.


Prehaps Parson Hyme didn't put it into Pokerville for two mortal hours and prehaps Pokerville didn't mizzle, wince, and finally flummix right beneath him!--Field, Drama in Pokerville.