Wherewithal

/ˈwɛrwɪðɔːl/ noun

Definition

The money, tools, or means necessary to do something or accomplish a goal.

Etymology

From Middle English combining 'where' (with what) and 'withal' (with), literally meaning 'that with which'—the whole phrase was compressed over centuries into one word.

Kelly Says

This word is a fossil of Middle English grammar that somehow survived when similar 'where+withal' combinations disappeared, making it one of the quirkiest compound words English inherited.

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