Whereas

WHEREAS

To follow a whereas; to become a bankrupt, to figure among princes and potentates: the notice given in the Gazette that a commission of bankruptcy is issued out against any trader, always beginning with the word whereas. He will soon march in the rear of a whereas.

The 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.

Where*as" (?), adv.

At which place; where.

Chaucer.

At last they came whereas that lady bode. Spenser.

© Webster 1913.

Where*as", conj.

1.

Considering that; it being the case that; since; -- used to introduce a preamble which is the basis of declarations, affirmations, commands, requests, or like, that follow.

2.

When in fact; while on the contrary; the case being in truth that; although; -- implying opposition to something that precedes; or implying recognition of facts, sometimes followed by a different statement, and sometimes by inferences or something consequent.

Are not those found to be the greatest zealots who are most notoriously ignorant? whereas true zeal should always begin with true knowledge. Sprat.

© Webster 1913.