Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

As \As\ ([a^]z), adv. & conj. [OE. as, als, alse, also, al swa,
   AS. eal sw[=a], lit. all so; hence, quite so, quite as: cf.
   G. als as, than, also so, then. See {Also}.]
   1. Denoting equality or likeness in kind, degree, or manner;
      like; similar to; in the same manner with or in which; in
      accordance with; in proportion to; to the extent or degree
      in which or to which; equally; no less than; as, ye shall
      be as gods, knowing good and evil; you will reap as you
      sow; do as you are bidden.

            His spiritual attendants adjured him, as he loved
            his soul, to emancipate his brethren. --Macaulay.

   Note: As is often preceded by one of the antecedent or
         correlative words such, same, so, or as, in expressing
         an equality or comparison; as, give us such things as
         you please, and so long as you please, or as long as
         you please; he is not so brave as Cato; she is as
         amiable as she is handsome; come as quickly as
         possible. ``Bees appear fortunately to prefer the same
         colors as we do.'' --Lubbock. As, in a preceding part
         of a sentence, has such or so to answer correlatively
         to it; as with the people, so with the priest.

   2. In the idea, character, or condition of, -- limiting the
      view to certain attributes or relations; as, virtue
      considered as virtue; this actor will appear as Hamlet.

            The beggar is greater as a man, than is the man
            merely as a king.                     --Dewey.

   3. While; during or at the same time that; when; as, he
      trembled as he spoke.

            As I return I will fetch off these justices. --Shak.

   4. Because; since; it being the case that.

            As the population of Scotland had been generally
            trained to arms . . . they were not indifferently
            prepared.                             --Sir W.
                                                  Scott.
      [See Synonym under {Because}.]

   5. Expressing concession. (Often approaching though in
      meaning).

            We wish, however, to avail ourselves of the
            interest, transient as it may be, which this work
            has excited.                          --Macaulay.

   6. That, introducing or expressing a result or consequence,
      after the correlatives so and such. [Obs.]

            I can place thee in such abject state, as help shall
            never find thee.                      --Rowe.

   {So as}, so that. [Obs.]

            The relations are so uncertain as they require a
            great deal of examination.            --Bacon.

   7. As if; as though. [Obs. or Poetic]

            He lies, as he his bliss did know.    --Waller.

   8. For instance; by way of example; thus; -- used to
      introduce illustrative phrases, sentences, or citations.

   9. Than. [Obs. & R.]

            The king was not more forward to bestow favors on
            them as they free to deal affronts to others their
            superiors.                            --Fuller.

   10. Expressing a wish. [Obs.] ``As have,''

   Note: i. e., may he have. --Chaucer.

   {As . . as}. See {So . . as}, under {So}.

   {As far as}, to the extent or degree. ``As far as can be
      ascertained.'' --Macaulay.

   {As far forth as}, as far as. [Obs.] --Chaucer.

   {As for}, or {As to}, in regard to; with respect to.

   {As good as}, not less than; not falling short of.

   {As good as one's word}, faithful to a promise.

   {As if}, or {As though}, of the same kind, or in the same
      condition or manner, that it would be if.

   {As it were} (as if it were), a qualifying phrase used to
      apologize for or to relieve some expression which might be
      regarded as inappropriate or incongruous; in a manner.

   {As now}, just now. [Obs.] --Chaucer.

   {As swythe}, as quickly as possible. [Obs.] --Chaucer.

   {As well}, also; too; besides. --Addison.

   {As well as}, equally with, no less than. ``I have
      understanding as well as you.'' --Job xii. 3.

   {As yet}, until now; up to or at the present time; still;
      now.

Source : WordNet®

as it were
     adv : as if it were really so; "she lives here, as it were" [syn:
           {so to speak}]