Word Study
needs
CIDE DICTIONARY
needs, adv. [Orig. gen. of need, used as an adverb. Cf. -wards.].
Of necessity; necessarily; indispensably; -- often with must, and equivalent to of need. [1913 Webster]
"A man must needs love mauger his head." [1913 Webster]
"And he must needs go through Samaria." [1913 Webster]
"He would needs know the cause of his repulse." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
needs, adv. archaic (usu. prec. or foll. by must) of necessity (must needs decide).
Etymology
OE nedes (as NEED, -S(3))
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