[oc.ca.sion] n [ME, fr. MF or L; MF, fr. L occasion-, occasio, fr. occidere to fall, fall down, fr. ob- toward + cadere to fall--more at ob-, chance] (14c) 1: a favorable opportunity or circumstance "did not have ~ to talk with them"
2. a: a state of affairs that provides a ground or reason "the ~ of the discord was their mutual intolerance" b: an occurrence or condition that brings something about; esp: the immediate inciting circumstance as distinguished from the fundamental cause "his insulting remark was the ~ of a bitter quarrel" 3 a: happening, incident b: a time at which something happens: instance
4. a: a need arising from a particular circumstance b archaic: a personal want or need--usu. used in pl.
5. pl: affairs, business
6: a special event or ceremony: celebration -- on occasion : from time to time
[2]occasion vt -sioned ; -sion.ing (15c): bring about, cause