(also from ~ ) formal or archaic
■ interrogative adverb from what place or source.
■ related adverb from which; from where.
↘to the place from which.
↘as a consequence of which.
Origin
ME whennes , from earlier whenne (from OE hwanon , of Gmc origin) + -s 3 (later respelled -ce ).
Usage
Strictly speaking, ~ means ‘from what place’. Thus, use of the preposition from is redundant and its use is considered incorrect by some. However, it has been used by reputable writers since the 14th century and is now broadly accepted in standard English.