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A contraction of what-ever; -- used in poetry. "Whate'er is in his way." Shak.

as, to administer the government or the state. For forms of government let fools contest: Whate'er is best administered is best. Pope.

Versed in books; having knowledge derived from books. [Often in a disparaging sense.] Whate'er these book-learned blockheads say, Solon's the veriest fool in all the play. Dryden.

d name or in solemn manner; to implore earnestly; to adjure. I conjure you, let him know, Whate'er was done against him, Cato did it. Addison.

To act or operate jointly with another or others; to concur in action, effort, or effect. Whate'er coöperates to the common mirth. Crashaw.

of style, of behavior, of address. True ease in writing comes from art, not chance. Pope. Whate'er he did was done with so much ease, In him alone 't was natural to please. Dryden. At ease, free from pain, trouble, or anxiety. "His soul shall dwell at ease." Ps. xxv. 12. -- Chapel of ease. See under Chapel. -- Ill at…

he like; to print the mark (figures, letters, etc., upon something). Nature imprints upon whate'er we see, That has a heart and life in it, "Be free." Cowper.

To clasp; to inclose. Whate'er the ocean pales, or sky inclips. Shak.

- in a good or a bad sense; as, to invent the machinery of a poem; to invent a falsehood. Whate'er his cruel malice could invent. Milton. He had invented some circumstances, and put the worst possible construction on others. Sir W. Scott.

hat one seeks to hit or reach. France was a fairer mark to shoot at than Ireland. Davies. Whate'er the motive, pleasure is the mark. Young.

graces . . . perseverance, mercy, lowliness." Shak. Whose constant perseverance overcame Whate'er his cruel malice could invent. Milton.