a preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution (usually explaining its purpose)

It being the fact that; inasmuch as, 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, In contrast; whilst on the contrary, noun_ A clause, as in legal documents, stating whereas, An introductory statement to a formal document; a preamble, A conditional statement, adverb_ obsolete At which place; where, obsolete Where (that)