Needs must

Posted by Word Camel on February 26, 2002

I have always found this a little confusing, especially when it's shortened just to 'needs must' because it makes it seem like 'needs' is a noun. I must go the verb below and 'needs' an unusual adverb or is 'must needs go' the verb?

"He must needs go that the Devil drives." Shakespeare: All's Well That-Ends Well

Any elucidation much appreciated.

• Parsing The Fallen 02/26/02
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  • Origin of - Needs must Camel 02/26/02
    • OED to the rescue R. Berg 02/26/02