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| Withal and its derivatives (sometimes spelled with a final -ll) are chiefly used as adverbs expressing various kinds of additive meaning - usually positive (‘in addition’), occasionally negative (‘nevertheless’). The simple form is also used as a preposition, but as it is only found at the end of a construction, in place of with, it would perhaps be better referred to as a postposition. |
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Although herewithal and therewithal had been used in English since the 14th century, examples of wherewithal are recorded only from the mid-16th century. Henry VIII provides an early instance of the noun use - the only form to have survived into modern English. |
Item
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Location
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Example
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Gloss
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withal (adv.) |
MV IV.i.447 |
Let his deservings, and my love withal, / Be valued |
in addition, moreover, as well |
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withal (adv.) |
MA I.ii.19 |
I will acquaint my daughter withal, that she be the better prepared for an answer |
in spite of all, nevertheless, notwithstanding |
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withal (adv.) |
KL I.ii.102 |
I will … convey the business as I shall find means, and acquaint you withal |
therewith, with this / it |
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withal (prep.) |
MW II.i.81 |
I’ll entertain myself like one that I am not acquainted withal |
with |
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herewithal (adv.) |
E3 V.i.197 |
And herewithal I render to your hands / These prisoners |
herewith, along with this, besides this |
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therewithal (adv.) |
TG IV.iv.82 |
give her that ring, and therewithal / This letter |
therewith, along with that, besides that |
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therewithal (adv.) |
CE IV.iii.9 |
[a tailor] showed me silks ... / And therewithal took measure of my body |
thereupon, forthwith, that being done |
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wherewithal (pron.) |
R2 V.i.55 |
Northumberland, thou ladder wherewithal / The mounting Bolingbroke ascends my throne |
whereby, with which |
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wherewithal (n.) |
H8 I.iii.59 |
has wherewithal |
what is needed |
 HERE, THERE, AND WHERE
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