■ noun
1》 care taken to avoid danger or mistakes.
2》 Brit. an official or legal warning given to someone who has committed a minor offence but has not been charged.
3》 informal, dated an amusing or surprising person.
■ verb
1》 say something as a warning.
↘( ~ against ) warn or advise against.
2》 Brit. issue an official or legal warning to.
↘(of a police officer) advise (someone) of their legal rights when arresting them.
Phrases
throw ~ to the wind (or winds ) act in a reckless manner.
Origin
ME: from L. cautio(n-) , from cavere 'take heed'.