give what for

I can only explain it by the remark that the better cut clothes set off the natural curve of the neck, shoulders, and figure generally, and in the second place, being associated in our minds with the peculiar garb worn by gentlemen, they give what, for want of a better word, I may call style.

The 'Igher Hedgercation means "savvy"; you size up the world, patter slang, Hit slick, give what for, and Compulsory Latin and Greek may go 'ang.