however

(hou-ev’ér), adv. and conj. [ + ever, in its indef. generalizing use. Not in ME.; ef. howsoever.) I, adv. 1. In whatever manner; to whatever extent or degree: as, however badly or rudely one may act; however distant from the starting-point. Every device, however paltry, was resorted to. Pre scott, Ferd. and Isa., ii. 1. However or whenever we who live endeavour to realize an end to this healthy life of action in ourselves or in our brethren, the effort is a painful one. W. K. Clifford, Lectures, I. 229. I prefer in every case the ruined, however ruined, to the reconstructed, however splendid: the one is history, the other is fiction. H, James, Jv., Little Tour, p. 152. 2+. At all events; in any case; by any means. So wise he judges it to fly from pain However, and to 'scape his punishment. Milton, P. In, iv. 911. He that swears often, many times swears false, and, however, lays by that reverence which, being due to God, the Scripture determines it to be due to his name. Jer, Taylor, Works (ed. 1835), I. 206. Our chief end is to be freed from all, if it may be, however from the greatest evils. Til lots on. [However often occurs in recent colloquial or provincial use, chiefly in England, for how1, interrogative and relative, where the proper usage is how ever’, one or more words intervening. So whatever is similarly used for what aes ever, Oh, bitter is my cup! However could I do it? I mixed those children up, And not a creature knew it! W. S. Gilbert, Pinafore.] II. conj. Neverthele ; notwithstanding; yet; still: as, a costly article, which, however, is worth the price. 2 Gent. He of Winchester Is held no great good lover of the archbishop’s.. Gent. All the land knows that: However, yet there’s no great breach. Shak., Hen. VIII., iv. 1. howff, houff (houf), ». [Se., also hoif, and in le corrupt forms hove and hoff, a hall, a haunt, a burial-place, appar.