GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions

1.       
   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.]
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   For what cause, reason, or purpose; on what account; wherefore; -- used interrogatively. See the Note under What, pron., 1.
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   Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
   Ezek. xxxiii. 11.
   
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   For which; on account of which; -- used relatively.
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   No ground of enmity between us known
   Why he should mean me ill or seek to harm.
   Milton.
   
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   Turn the discourse; I have a reason why
   I would not have you speak so tenderly.
   Dryden.
   
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   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.
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   ☞ 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.
   
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   If her chill heart I can not move,
   Why, I'll enjoy the very love.
   Cowley.
   
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   Sometimes, also, it is used as a noun.
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   The how and the why and the where.
   Goldsmith.
   
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   For why, because; why. See Forwhy. [Obs. or Colloq.]
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2.       
   Why, n. A young heifer. [Prov. Eng.]
   Grose.
   
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