The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Cause \Cause\ (k[add]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.
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            Cause is substance exerting its power into act, to
            make one thing begin to be.           --Locke.
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   2. That which is the occasion of an action or state; ground;
      reason; motive; as, cause for rejoicing.
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   3. Sake; interest; advantage. [Obs.]
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            I did it not for his cause.           --2 Cor. vii.
                                                  12.
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   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.
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   5. Any subject of discussion or debate; matter; question;
      affair in general.
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            What counsel give you in this weighty cause! --Shak.
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   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.
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            God befriend us, as our cause is just. --Shak.
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            The part they take against me is from zeal to the
            cause.                                --Burke.
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   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.
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