Why did we use the word "for"?

Question

The Concord bed-chamber being always assigned to a passenger
by the mail, and passengers by the mail being always
heavily wrapped up from bead to foot, the room had the
odd interest for the establishment of the Royal George, that
although but one kind of man was seen to go into it, all
kinds and varieties of men came out of it.

Doesn't the word "for" mean: Used to indicate the object, aim, or purpose of an action or activity.

EXAMPLE: He did this for her. (the aim is "her")

Now, I believe it should have been "of" instead of "for". I am still trying to make sense of the sentence with the definitions for the word "for". I thought maybe it should have been "to" instead, but after checking the definitions, I definitively think it should be "of".

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

afewminuteslateDoesn't the word "for" mean: Used to indicate the object, aim, or purpose of an action or activity.

for means a lot of things. In this case it's equivalent to to give or to offer or to provide.

The room had the odd interest [for / to offer / to provide] the establishment ...

Compare:

The study of windmill technology holds no interest for me. [It offers me nothing interesting.]

Knowing the boss's brother was a great advantage for him. [It gave him an advantage.]
It was a relief for them when they learned that the project had been canceled. [It provided them relief.]

CJ

Afewminuteslate · Answer

for (fôr; fr when unstressed)
prep.
1.
a. Used to indicate the object, aim, or purpose of an action or activity: trained for the ministry; put the house up for sale; plans to run for senator.
b. Used to indicate a destination: headed off for town.
2. Used to indicate the object of a desire, intention, or perception: had a nose for news; eager for success.
3.
a. Used to indicate the recipient or beneficiary of an action: prepared lunch for us.
b. On behalf of: spoke for all the members.
c. In favor of: Were they for or against the proposal?
d. In place of: a substitute for eggs.
4.
a. Used to indicate equivalence or equality: paid ten dollars for a ticket; repeated the conversation word for word.
b. Used to indicate correlation or correspondence: took two steps back for every step forward.
5.
a. Used to indicate amount, extent, or duration: a bill for five dollars; walked for miles; stood in line for an hour.
b. Used to indicate a specific time: had an appointment for two o'clock.
c. Used to indicate a number of attempts: shot three for four from the foul line.
6.
a. As being: take for granted; mistook me for the librarian.
b. Used to indicate an actual or implied listing or choosing: For one thing, we can't afford it.
7. As a result of; because of: jumped for joy.
8. Used to indicate appropriateness or suitability: It will be for the judge to decide.
9. Notwithstanding; despite: For all the problems, it was a valuable experience.
10.
a. As regards; concerning: a stickler for neatness.
b. Considering the nature or usual character of: was spry for his advanced age.
c. In honor of: named for her grandmother.

To which of the definitions do you think the word "for" is related?

Thank you.

CalifJim · Answer

afewminuteslateTo which of the definitions do you think the word "for" is related [as used in the examples above]?

3a. Beneficiary. The person who is given, offered, or provided something is the beneficiary.

CJ

Afewminuteslate · Answer

thank you for your help

Why did we use the word "for"?

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