сызмальствa?

[serialcondition.livejournal.com]

I came across this word -- сызмальства -- from the context (сызмальства почти, от молодых ногтей, любимым словом моим было "дерзание") I am thinking it's "from childhood"
how do I take this word apart : is сыз- a prefix? and, if yes, what other constructions can it be used in?
is сыз- like с or из?

I hope this makes sense

t.

update:

с + из = сыз -- prefix that means from beginning or origin; for example сыздавна, сыздетства, сызнова; this usage is antiquated

thank you for your help

Comments

[gera.livejournal.com]

С давних пор (see пора).

Сызмальства is not common, it's kinda archaic.