| why | 1. For what cause, reason, or purpose; on what account; wherefore; used interrogatively. See the Note under What, pron. "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. 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!" "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. Origin: OE. Whi, why, AS. Hwi, hw, instrumental case of hwa, hwaet; akin to Icel. Hvi why, Dan. & Sw. Hvi; cf. Goth. Hw. See Who. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| whydah finch | <zoology> The whidah bird. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |