n.
Pronunciation: ' s ā k
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, dispute, guilt, purpose, from Old English sacu guilt, action at law; akin to Old High German sahha action at law, cause, Old English s ē can to seek ― more at SEEK
Date: 13th century
1 : END , PURPOSE <for the sake of argument>
2 a : the good, advantage, or enhancement of some entity (as an ideal) <free to pursue learning for its own sake ― M. S. Eisenhower> b : personal or social welfare, safety, or benefit