I. fər, (ˈ)fȯr, Southern also (ˈ)fär preposition
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Latin per through, prae before, pro before, for, ahead, Greek pro, Old English faran to go — more at fare
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. — used as a function word to indicate purpose
a grant for studying medicine
b. — used as a function word to indicate an intended goal
left for home
acted for the best
c. — used as a function word to indicate the object or recipient of a perception, desire, or activity
now for a good rest
run for your life
an eye for a bargain
2.
a. : as being or constituting
taken for a fool
eggs for breakfast
b. — used as a function word to indicate an actual or implied enumeration or selection
for one thing, the price is too high
3. : because of
can't sleep for the heat
4. — used as a function word to indicate suitability or fitness
it is not for you to choose
ready for action
5.
a. : in place of
go to the store for me
b.
(1) : on behalf of : representing
speaks for the court
(2) : in favor of
all for the plan
6. : in spite of — usually used with all
for all his large size, he moves gracefully
7. : with respect to : concerning
a stickler for detail
heavy for its size
8.
a. — used as a function word to indicate equivalence in exchange
$10 for a hat
equality in number or quantity
point for point
or correspondence or correlation
for every one that works, you'll find five that don't
b. — used as a function word to indicate number of attempts
0 for 4
9. — used as a function word to indicate duration of time or extent of space
gone for two days
10. : in honor of : after
named for her grandmother
II. conjunction
Date: 12th century
: for the reason that : on this ground : because
III. abbreviation
1. foreign
2. forestry