{interrog.} For what reason; why? * /I told Mary what I was going to town for./ * /What are you running for?/ - Often used alone as a question. * /Billy's mother told him to wear his hat. "What for?" he asked./ Compare: HOW COME.
WHAT FOR
Meaning of WHAT FOR in English
Dictionary of English idioms . Словарь английских идиом. 2012