What is "for why"

For \For\, conj.

1. Because; by reason that; for that; indicating, in Old English, the reason of anything.

   And for of long that way had walk['e]d none, The vault was hid with plants and bushes hoar.
   --Fairfax.

   And Heaven defend your good souls, that you think I will your serious and great business scant, For she with me.
   --Shak.

2. Since; because; introducing a reason of something before advanced, a cause, motive, explanation, justification, or the like, of an action related or a statement made. It is logically nearly equivalent to since, or because, but connects less closely, and is sometimes used as a very general introduction to something suggested by what has gone before. Give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever. --Ps. cxxxvi. 1. Heaven doth with us as we with torches do, Not light them for themselves; for if our virtues Did not go forth of us, 't were all alike As if we had them not. --Shak. For because, because. [Obs.] ``Nor for because they set less store by their own citizens.'' --Robynson (More's Utopia). For why.

   1. Why; for that reason; wherefore. [Obs.]

   2. Because. [Obs.] See Forwhy.

      Syn: See Because.

Why \Why\, adv. [OE. whi, why, AS. hw[=i], hw?, instrumental case of hw[=a], hw[ae]t; akin to Icel. hv[=i] 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.

   Note: 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. [1913 Webster] 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.]