Cause (k&asuml_;z), n. [F. cause, fr. L. causa. Cf. Cause, v., Kickshaw.] 1. That which produces or effects a result; that from which anything proceeds, and without which it would not exist.
[1913 Webster]

Cause is substance exerting its power into act, to make one thing begin to be. Locke.
[1913 Webster]

2. That which is the occasion of an action or state; ground; reason; motive; as, cause for rejoicing.
[1913 Webster]

3. Sake; interest; advantage. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]

I did it not for his cause. 2 Cor. vii. 12.
[1913 Webster]

4. (Law) A suit or action in court; any legal process by which a party endeavors to obtain his claim, or what he regards as his right; case; ground of action.
[1913 Webster]

5. Any subject of discussion or debate; matter; question; affair in general.
[1913 Webster]

What counsel give you in this weighty cause! Shak.
[1913 Webster]

6. The side of a question, which is espoused, advocated, and upheld by a person or party; a principle which is advocated; that which a person or party seeks to attain.
[1913 Webster]

God befriend us, as our cause is just. Shak.
[1913 Webster]

The part they take against me is from zeal to the cause. Burke.
[1913 Webster]

Efficient cause, the agent or force that produces a change or result. -- Final cause, the end, design, or object, for which anything is done. -- Formal cause, the elements of a conception which make the conception or the thing conceived to be what it is; or the idea viewed as a formative principle and coöperating with the matter. -- Material cause, that of which anything is made. -- Proximate cause. See under Proximate. -- To make common cause with, to join with in purposes and aims. Macaulay.

Syn. -- Origin; source; mainspring; motive; reason; incitement; inducement; purpose; object; suit; action.
[1913 Webster]

Cause, v. i. To assign or show cause; to give a reason; to make excuse. [Obs.] Spenser.
[1913 Webster]