See Also:

needs (iou)



needs adverb. [ni:dz] OE.
[from NEED noun + -S3, later identified with -S1.]
Of necessity, necessarily. Now rare exc. in clauses containing must (arch. exc. as below).
must needs spec. (a) foolishly insist(s) or insisted on (foll. by do); (b) = needs must (a) below. needs must (a) cannot or could not help or avoid or get out of (foll. by do); (b) ellipt. it is or was necessary, one has or had to (esp. in proverb needs must when the Devil drives). will needs, would needs arch. am, is, was, etc., determined (foll. by do).