particle
Formal/literary particle meaning 'even'. Attaches to nouns or nominalized phrases. Often used in negative or concessive contexts.
子供とて、それを知っている。
Even a child knows that.
particle
Formal/literary particle introducing a concessive clause. Follows a verb or adjective in the て-form or a noun + とて.
急いだとて、もう間に合わない。
Even if you hurry, you won't make it in time.
particle
because; as; on the grounds that
Formal/literary particle expressing reason or cause. Often used in the pattern こととて. Implies that the reason is understandable or excusable.
子供のこととて、ご容赦ください。
As it is a child's doing, please forgive him.
particle
with the purpose of; in order to
Formal/literary particle expressing purpose. Follows a verb in the volitional form or a noun expressing intention. Rare in modern Japanese.
勉強せんとて、図書館へ行った。
He went to the library in order to study.
ために is the standard purpose marker; とて is a rare literary equivalent.
Derived from the particle と combined with the conjunctive particle て. The exact historical development is uncertain, but it functions as a formal/literary compound particle.