1.
temporarily, for a time, for a while
For a limited period, not permanent.
2.
at one time, once
At a certain point in the past.
一時 is a versatile word with three distinct uses depending on context.
SENSE 1 — TEMPORARILY:
- 一時的な: temporary
- 一時停止: temporary stop, pause
- 一時帰国: temporary return home
- 一時預かり: temporary storage/custody
SENSE 2 — AT ONE TIME:
- 一時は: at one point, once (often followed by a contrasting statement)
- Example pattern: 一時は~が、今は~ (once it was ~, but now ~)
SENSE 3 — ONE O'CLOCK:
Simply the time 1:00. Used with 午前/午後.
ALTERNATE READING:
ひととき means "a moment" or "a short time" — a different word with its own nuance of a brief, precious period.