[cause] n [ME, fr. OF, fr. L causa] (13c) 1 a: a reason for an action or condition: motive b: something that brings about an effect or a result c: a person or thing that is the occasion of an action or state; esp: an agent that brings something about d: sufficient reason "discharged for ~"
2. a: a ground of legal action b: case
3: a matter or question to be decided
4. a: a principle or movement militantly defended or supported b: a charitable undertaking "for a good ~" -- cause.less adj
[2]cause vt caused ; caus.ing (14c) 1: to serve as a cause or occasion of: make
2: to effect by command, authority, or force -- caus.er n