for the want of

for the want of

1. Alternative form of for want 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.