Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Whereas \Where*as"\, adv.
   At which place; where. [Obs.] --Chaucer.

         At last they came whereas that lady bode. --Spenser.

Whereas \Where*as"\, conj.
   1. Considering that; it being the case that; since; -- used
      to introduce a preamble which is the basis of
      declarations, affirmations, commands, requests, or like,
      that follow.

   2. When in fact; while on the contrary; the case being in
      truth that; although; -- implying opposition to something
      that precedes; or implying recognition of facts, sometimes
      followed by a different statement, and sometimes by
      inferences or something consequent.

            Are not those found to be the greatest zealots who
            are most notoriously ignorant? whereas true zeal
            should always begin with true knowledge. --Sprat.