To spend pleasantly, as time; commonly followed by away.
A short time; also, a period of time.
During the time that.
At the same time that; sometimes; tho.
And was so all the while your father spoke. – The Comedies of Terence by Publius Terentius Afer
Would you like to lie down a little while? – The Project Gutenberg Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte by Bourrienne, Constant, and Stewarton