'Why-not' definitions:

Definition of 'Why-not'

From: GCIDE
  • Why-not \Why"-not`\, n. A violent and peremptory procedure without any assigned reason; a sudden conclusive happening. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • When the church Was taken with a why-not in the lurch. --Hudibras. [1913 Webster]
  • This game . . . was like to have been lost with a why-not. --Nugae Antiq. [1913 Webster]