for what

English

Adverb

for what (not comparable)

1. Alternative form of what for.
   • 1828 May 15, [Walter Scott], chapter II, in Chronicles of the Canongate. Second Series. […] (The Fair Maid of Perth), volume I, Edinburgh: […] [Ballantyne and Co.] for Cadell and Co.; London: Simpkin and Marshall, →OCLC, page 58:

     “For what didst thou drub him, O man of peace?” inquired the Glover.

   • 1902 May 7, “South Kensington Examinations. (Held on Saturday evening last.) Questions and Answers in Building Construction.—Elementary Stage.”, in The Builders’ Journal and Architectural Record, Appealing to Those Engaged in the Art of Building, volume 15, number 378, London: […] Eyre and Spottiswoode, […], page 186, column 1:

     For what is this tool used? Sketch it upon your paper, showing the pick better placed, and explain why you alter it.

   • 2012, David Darracott, chapter 7, in Internal Security, 2nd edition, Atlanta, Ga.: Lightning Rod Books, →ISBN, page 49:

     Darden wondered how many people had been injured. Certainly hundreds. For what? Why would someone cause all this misery and loss?