from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Occasion \Oc*ca"sion\ ([o^]k*k[=a]"zh[u^]n), n. [F. occasion, L.
occasio, fr. occidere, occasum, to fall down; ob (see {Ob-})
+ cadere to fall. See {Chance}, and cf. {Occident}.]
1. A falling out, happening, or coming to pass; hence, that
which falls out or happens; occurrence; incident; event.
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The unlooked-for incidents of family history, and
its hidden excitements, and its arduous occasions.
--I. Taylor.
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2. A favorable opportunity; a convenient or timely chance;
convenience.
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Sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived
me. --Rom. vii.
11.
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I'll take the occasion which he gives to bring
Him to his death. --Waller.
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3. An occurrence or condition of affairs which brings with it
some unlooked-for event; that which incidentally brings to
pass an event, without being its efficient cause or
sufficient reason; accidental or incidental cause.
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Her beauty was the occasion of the war. --Dryden.
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4. Need; exigency; requirement; necessity; as, I have no
occasion for firearms.
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After we have served ourselves and our own
occasions. --Jer. Taylor.
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When my occasions took me into France. --Burke.
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5. A reason or excuse; a motive; a persuasion.
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Whose manner was, all passengers to stay,
And entertain with her occasions sly. --Spenser.
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{On occasion},
(a) in case of need; in necessity; as convenience
requires. "That we might have intelligence from him on
occasion," --De Foe.
(b) occasionally; from time to time; now and then.
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Syn: Need; incident; use. See {Opportunity}.
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