for want of

== English == === Alternative forms === for the want of === Pronunciation === Rhymes: -ʌv === Preposition === for want of Because of the absence of. Synonym: for lack of a. 1640, For Want of a Nail: For want of a nail the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe the horse was lost. For want of a horse the rider was lost. For want of a rider the battle was lost. For want of a battle the kingdom was lost. And all for the want of a horseshoe nail. ==== Translations ==== === Further reading === “for (the) want of”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present. “for want of”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.