The term 'short while' can be broken down into three crossword solutions: SEC (3 letters), THO (3 letters), and BIT (3 letters). SEC stands for 'SECOND, ' a unit of time equal to one sixtieth of a minute. THO is an abbreviation of 'THOUGH, ' which is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has just been said. Finally, BIT is an abbreviation of 'BIT, ' which is a very small amount of time. All together, the term 'short while' refers to a brief period of time.