b. Hence (Scottish) day or hour of cause: i.e. of trial; also figurative and transferred.
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1818 W. ScottHeart of Mid-Lothian xii, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. II. 302 Whispering to Plumdamas that he would meet him at MacCroskie's..in the hour of cause.
1822 W. ScottFortunes of Nigel III. xii. 336 I will be with you in the hour of cause.