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.
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.]