Definition of "altho"

This is a pitiful defence, for ’tis certain there are people who are not judged to be praiſe-worthy altho they be praiſed by others: […]

1684, Jean Claude, translated by J. R. R., The Catholick Doctrine of the Eucharist in All Ages, R. Royston, page 261

The Usefull, the mechanic Arts, are those which We have occasion for in a young Country, as yet simple and not far advanced in Luxury, altho perhaps much too far for her Age and Character.

1984, George Will, quoting John Adams, US President, 1780, (Please provide the book title or journal name) (Political Science), Simon and Schuster