Why , n. A young heifer. [Prov. Eng.]
Grose.
Why (?), adv. [OE. whi, why, AS. hwī,
hw&?;, instrumental case of hwā, hwæt; akin to Icel. hvī why, Dan. & Sw. hvi; cf. Goth. hw&?;. &?;. See Who.]
1. For what cause, reason, or purpose; on what account; wherefore; --
used interrogatively. See the Note
under What,
pron., 1.
Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of
Israel?
Ezek. xxxiii. 11. 2.
For which; on account of
which; -- used relatively.
No ground of
enmity between us known
Why he should mean me ill or seek to harm.
Milton. Turn the discourse; I have a reason
why
I would not have you speak so tenderly.
Dryden.
3. The reason or cause for which; that on account of
which; on what account; as, I know not why he left town
so suddenly; -- used as a compound relative.
&fist;
Why is sometimes used as an interjection or an expletive in expression of surprise or content at a
turn of affairs; used also in calling. "Why, Jessica!"
Shak.
If her chill heart I can not move,
Why, I'll enjoy the very love.
Cowley. Sometimes, also, it is used
as a noun.
The how and the why and the
where.
Goldsmith. For
why, because; why. See Forwhy. [Obs. or
Colloq.]
Hear it pronounced