(a) Conj. In such a way that; even as, as; (b) as if, pretending that; -- also ascaunce that. …

As dem. adv.: (a) with ref. to a span of past, present, or hypothetical time: during that time, meanwhile, in the meantime; (b) with ref. to a point or an event in past or hypothetical time: at that……

As interrog. adv. in direct questions, sometimes with the rhetorical effect of implying a contrary statement or negative assertion: (a) why?, why on earth?; what (a) devel, why the devil (b) how?,……