Found 2 items, similar to as it were.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: as it were as it were adv : as if it were really so; “she lives here, as it were” [syn: so to speak]
English → English (gcide) Definition: As it were as \as\ ([a^]z), adv. & conj. [OE. as, als, alse, also, al swa, AS. eal sw[=a], lit. all so; hence, quite so, quite as: cf. G. als as, than, also so, then. See Also.] 1. Denoting equality or likeness in kind, degree, or manner; like; similar to; in the same manner with or in which; in accordance with; in proportion to; to the extent or degree in which or to which; equally; no less than; as, ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil; you will reap as you sow; do as you are bidden. [1913 Webster] His spiritual attendants adjured him, as he loved his soul, to emancipate his brethren. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster] Note: As is often preceded by one of the antecedent or correlative words such, same, so, or as, in expressing an equality or comparison; as, give us such things as you please, and so long as you please, or as long as you please; he is not so brave as Cato; she is as amiable as she is handsome; come as quickly as possible. “Bees appear fortunately to prefer the same colors as we do.” --Lubbock. As, in a preceding part of a sentence, has such or so to answer correlatively to it; as with the people, so with the priest. [1913 Webster] 2. In the idea, character, or condition of, -- limiting the view to certain attributes or relations; as, virtue considered as virtue; this actor will appear as Hamlet. [1913 Webster] The beggar is greater as a man, than is the man merely as a king. --Dewey. [1913 Webster] 3. While; during or at the same time that; when; as, he trembled as he spoke. [1913 Webster] As I return I will fetch off these justices. --Shak. [1913 Webster] 4. Because; since; it being the case that. [1913 Webster] As the population of Scotland had been generally trained to arms . . . they were not indifferently prepared. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster] [See Synonym under Because.] [1913 Webster] 5. Expressing concession. (Often approaching though in meaning). [1913 Webster] We wish, however, to avail ourselves of the interest, transient as it may be, which this work has excited. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster] 6. That, introducing or expressing a result or consequence, after the correlatives so and such. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] I can place thee in such abject state, as help shall never find thee. --Rowe. [1913 Webster] So as, so that. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] The relations are so uncertain as they require a great deal of examination. --Bacon. [1913 Webster] 7. As if; as though. [Obs. or Poetic] [1913 Webster] He lies, as he his bliss did know. --Waller. [1913 Webster] 8. For instance; by way of example; thus; -- used to introduce illustrative phrases, sentences, or citations. [1913 Webster] 9. Than. [Obs. & R.] [1913 Webster] The king was not more forward to bestow favors on them as they free to deal affronts to others their superiors. --Fuller. [1913 Webster] 10. Expressing a wish. [Obs.] “As have,” Note: i. e., may he have. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster] As . . as. See So . . as, under So. As far as, to the extent or degree. “As far as can be ascertained.” --Macaulay. As far forth as, as far as. [Obs.] --Chaucer. As for, or As to, in regard to; with respect to. As good as, not less than; not falling short of. As good as one's word, faithful to a promise. As if, or As though, of the same kind, or in the same condition or manner, that it would be if. As it were (as if it were), a qualifying phrase used to apologize for or to relieve some expression which might be regarded as inappropriate or incongruous; in a manner. As now, just now. [Obs.] --Chaucer. As swythe, as quickly as possible. [Obs.] --Chaucer. As well, also; too; besides. --Addison. As well as, equally with, no less than. “I have understanding as well as you.” --Job xii. 3. As yet, until now; up to or at the present time; still; now. [1913 Webster]