An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

For the reason that; on account of.

Etymology (EN): M.E. bi cause “by cause,” from O.E. bi “by” (akin to Du. bij, O.H.G. bi, Ger. bei, Goth. bi) + → cause.

Etymology (PE): Zirâ, variants azirâ, zirâk, azirâk, from Mid.Pers. êt rây cê or ê(t) râd cê “because,” literally “this reason why;” from êd “this”
(O.Pers. aita; Av. aēta “this;” cf. Skt. etá); rây, → reason; cê “what” (O.Pers/Av. ci- “what, any,” collateral stem to ka- “who?, what?;” cf. Skt. ka-; Gk. po-; L. quo-; E. what, who; PIE *qwos/*qwes).