[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

cause \cause\ kaddz, 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 cooperating 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
see also:
cause kickshaw efficient cause final cause formal cause material cause 
proximate cause proximate to make common cause with 

Efficient Cause >> E Words
Efficient Cause, definition of term: Efficient Cause
efficient+cause_pag1.html

Cause >> C Words
Cause, definition of term: Cause
cause_pag1.html

Efficient >> E Words
Efficient, definition of term: Efficient
efficient_pag1.html

Cause Harm >> C Words
Cause Harm, definition of term: Cause Harm
cause+harm_pag1.html

Cause Celebre >> C Words
Cause Celebre, definition of term: Cause Celebre
cause+celebre_pag1.html

Proximate Cause >> P Words
Proximate Cause, definition of term: Proximate Cause
proximate+cause_pag1.html

Probable Cause >> P Words
Probable Cause, definition of term: Probable Cause
probable+cause_pag1.html