I. ˈhwe-thər, ˈwe-, (ˌ)(h)wə- pronoun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hwæther, hwether; akin to Old High German hwedar which of two, Latin uter, Greek poteros, Old English hwā who — more at who
Date: before 12th century
1. archaic : which one of the two
2. archaic : whichever one of the two
II. conjunction
Date: before 12th century
— used as a function word usually with correlative or or with or whether to indicate (1) until the early 19th century a direct question involving alternatives; (2) an indirect question involving stated or implied alternatives
decide whether he should agree or raise objections
wondered whether to stay
(3) alternative conditions or possibilities
see me no more, whether he be dead or no — Shakespeare
seated him next to her whether by accident or design
•
- whether or no