Lexicon: wherefore – while

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wherefore, adv. [f. where + for, prep.; OE hwær, hwar, f. st. hwa-.] (webplay: know, reason, why).

Introducing a statement of fact in contrast or opposition to that expressed by the principal clause; associated with therefore. For what purpose, end, cause, reason? On what account? Why?

wherein, conj. [f. where + in, prep.] (webplay: him, yet.).

In which thing, place, or situation.

whereon, conj. [f. where + on, prep.]

On which.

wheresoe'er, conj. [f. whereso + ever.]

In whatever place.

whet (-s, -ting), v. [OE.]

Grind; rub; wear away; whittle down.

which, adj. [OE hwelc.]

The correct; the right; the corresponding; [noun modifying pro-form].

which, pron. [OE.]

  1. Who; that; [with the preceding noun phrase, A does B.]
  2. That; and this; [used to introduce a clause, A made B possible.]
  3. Specifically when; the particular time; [with prepositions, reiterates a previously mentioned time.]
  4. After; already.
  5. What one; [pro-form for two alternatives.]

whiffletree, n. [unknown.]

Pole; branch; bar which connects a carriage to a horse; [fig.] zone; center; latitude; horizon; map coordinate.

while, conj. [OE hwíle < abbr. þá hwíle þe, during the time that; see while, n.] (webplay: during, experience, life, pains, pass, pleasantly, rest, remain, sleep, thought, time, worth).

  1. As long as; [for the duration of a specified amount of time.]
  2. At the time; during the time; [the two things conjoined by the conjunction have no relation to each other.]
  3. And at the same time; [a juxtaposition of similar ideas; the two things associated by the conjunction are being compared.]
  4. But at the same time; [a juxtaposition of opposite ideas; the two things associated by the conjunction are being contrasted.]
  5. When; [indicating a former state of existence.]
  6. Because of which; [indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.]
  7. Because; [indicates a causal relationship.]
  8. Although; whereas. (1152/1148)

while, n. [OE hwíl, time < IE qwi- rest, quiet.] (webplay: see while, conj.).

  1. Amount of time.
  2. Phrase. “All the while”: the whole time.
  3. Phrase. “The while”: For the duration; throughout the entire time.