If (?), conj. [OE. if, gif, AS. gif; akin to OFries. ief, gef, ef, OS.
ef, of, D. of, or, whether, if, G. ob whether, if, OHG. oba, ibu, Icel.
ef, Goth. iba, ibai, an interrogative particle; properly a case form of
a noun meaning, doubt (cf. OHG. iba doubt, condition, Icel. if, ef,
ifi, efi), and therefore orig. meaning, on condition that.] 1. In case
that; granting, allowing, or supposing that; -- introducing a condition
or supposition.
Tisiphone, that oft hast heard my prayer, Assist, if Œdipus deserve
thy care.
Pope.
If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Matt. iv. 3.