The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Whereas \Where*as"\, adv.
   At which place; where. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
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         At last they came whereas that lady bode. --Spenser.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Whereas \Where*as"\, conj.
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   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.
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   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.
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            Are not those found to be the greatest zealots who
            are most notoriously ignorant? whereas true zeal
            should always begin with true knowledge. --Sprat.
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