why-not
(ˈhwaɪnɒt)
[The phrase why not? (why 4 b) used as a n.]
a. An argument of the form ‘Why not?’, which attempts to leave the opponent without a reply. b. In Backgammon: see quot. 1680; hence allusively, esp. in phr. to take (have, etc.) at a why-not, i.e. at an advantage or in a dilemma.
| 1611 W. Sclater Key 123 That is answere sufficient to all such plausible why-nots. a 1612 Harington in Nugæ Antiq. (1804) II. 144 This game..by certaine bootie play betweene a Protector and a Bishop, (I suppose it was at Tick-take), was like to have been lost with a why not? 1664 Butler Hud. ii. ii. 530 O'er-reach'd your Rabbins of the Synod And snap'd their Cannons with a Why-not. 1680 Cotton Compl. Gamester 113 This is the plain Game of Tick-Tack, which is called so from Touch, and take, for if you touch a man you must play him though to your loss; and if you hit your Adversary and neglect the advantage, you are taken with a Why-not, which is the loss of one. c 1680 in Verney Mem. (1904) II. 335 You catch me with a why-not still: Indeed my memory growes bad.., and things go out as fast as they come into my head now. 1720 Mrs. Manley Power of Love (1741) 285 He took me at a why not! naked, without Cloaths and Weapons. 1753 Richardson Grandison (1754) VI. 142 Now, Dame Selby, I have you at a why-not. |