Search results for 'case':

case¹ noun 1 often in compounds a box, container or cover, used for storage, transportation, etc • suitcase. 2 an outer covering, especially a protective one • watch case. 3 printing a tray with compartments containing individual types, divided up in terms of their style and size. See upper-case, lower-case. 4 bookbinding the hard covers containing the text of a hardback book. verb (cased, casing) to put something in a case. case a joint slang to have a good look at a premises with the intention of robbing them.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from French casse, from Latin capsa, from capere to hold or take.

case² noun 1 a particular occasion, situation or set of circumstances. 2 an example, instance or occurrence. 3 someone receiving some sort of treatment or care. 4 a matter requiring investigation. 5 a matter to be decided in a law court. 6 (sometimes case for or against something) the argument for or against something, presented as a set of arguments, statements, etc, with the relevant facts fully stated. 7 grammar a the relationship of a noun, pronoun or adjective to other words in a sentence; b one of the forms or categories indicating the relationship • nominative case. 8 an odd character. as the case may be according to how things turn out. be the case to be true. a case in point a good example, relevant to the present discussion. in any case whatever happens; no matter what happens. in case so as to be prepared or safe (if a certain thing should happen). in case of something if a certain occurrence happens. in that case if that happens, since that has happened, etc.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from French cas, from Latin casus fall, chance, from cadere to fall.