121. INDEFINITE RELATIVES are, by meaning and use, not as direct as the simple relatives.
They are whoever, whichever, whatever, whatsoever; less common are whoso, whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. The simple relatives who, which, and what may also be used as indefinite relatives. Examples of indefinite relatives (from Emerson):—
1. Whoever has flattered his friend successfully must at once think himself a knave, and his friend a fool.
2. It is no proof of a man's understanding, to be able to affirm whatever he pleases.
3. They sit in a chair or sprawl with children on the floor, or stand on their head, or what else soever, in a new and original way.
4. Whoso is heroic will always find crises to try his edge.
5. Only itself can inspire whom it will.
6. God offers to every mind its choice between truth and repose. Take which you please,—you cannot have both.
7. Do what we can, summer will have its flies.
Meaning and use.