that which produces or effects a result; that from which anything proceeds, and without which it would not exist.-that which is the occasion of an action or state; ground; reason; motive; as, cause for rejoicing.-sake; interest; advantage.-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.-any subject of discussion or debate; matter; question; affair in general.-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.-to effect as an agent; to produce; to be the occasion of; to bring about; to bring into existence; to make; -- usually followed by an infinitive, sometimes by that with a finite verb.-to assign or show cause; to give a reason; to make excuse.-abbreviation of because.