occasion, occasioun, occasyon

[Fr. occasion, from Lat. occasionem, acc us. of ocса sio an opportunity: oc-, and casus, pa. par. of cado to fall; Sp. ocasion; Ital. occasione.] 1. That which falls out or happens; an occurrence, an incident, a casualty. 2. An incident, event, or casualty which indirectly gives rise to something else; an incidental, but not efficient cause; an indirect or accidental cause or origin. "Have you ever heard what was the occasion and first beginning of this custom?"- Spenser: State of Ireland. 3. An incident, event, or casualty which acts as a cause upon the will; a motive, a reason, a ground. 4. An opportunity; favorable time, circumstance, or season. "You embrace the occasion to depart." Shakesp.: Merchant of Venice, 1. 1. 5. An excuse, a ground. "He may seek occasion , fall upon us, and take us for bondmen." -Genesis xliii. 18. 6. An incidental need, requirement, or want; a casual exigency. "A page so kind, so duteous, diligent, So tender over his occasions." Shakesp.: Cymbeline, v. 5. 7. Circumstances, state or position of affairs; exigency, crisis, juncture; as, He was equal to the occasion . 8. A certain point of time; as, On this occasion he has done well. IMG:content-0217.png:[blocks in formation] A. As adj .: Belonging to, characteristic of, or in any way resembling the doctrine of Occasionalism (q. v.). B. As subst.: One who adopts or defends the doctrine of Occasionalism (q. v.).