O.E.
twegen (masc.) "two" (masc. nom. and acc.), from P.Gmc.
*twa- (see
two). The word outlasted the breakdown of gender in M.E. and survived as a secondary form of
two, especially in cases where the numeral follows a noun. Its continuation into modern times was aided by its use in KJV and the Marriage Service, in poetry (where it is a useful rhyme word), and in oral use where it is necessary to be clear that
two and not
to or
too is meant.
(twān) 
