occasionn.1
/əˈkeɪʒn/, U.S. /əˈkeɪʒ(ə)n/ I. Senses relating to action arising from a chance or opportunity.† 4. Something that gives rise to discussion or consideration; a subject treated or debated. Obsolete.† 5. The action of causing or occasioning something. Also (in extended use): that which is caused or occasioned. Obsolete.
1.
a. A conjunction of circumstances favourable or suitable to an end or purpose, or admitting of something being done or effected; an opportunity. In early use: esp. †an opportunity of attacking, of fault-finding, or of giving or taking offence; an opportunity for trouble (obsolete). to take occasion: to take advantage of an opportunity.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > an opportunity > [noun]
chance1297
occasiona1382
leisurec1386
opportunitya1387
advantage1487
portunity1516
in the nick1565
mean1592
vantage?1592
occasionet1593
overture1610
hinta1616
largeness1625
convenience1679
tid1721
opening1752
offer1831
slant1837
show1842
showing1852
show-up1883
window of opportunity1942
op1978
the world > existence and causation > causation > chance or causelessness > [noun] > chance or opportunity
chance1297
occasiona1382
opportunitya1387
fair play?a1500
main chance1577
venturea1625
opening1752
ettle1768
slant1837
sporting chance1897
open go1918
a fair crack of the whip1929
the world > action or operation > advantage > an opportunity > [noun] > opportunity
roomeOE
ease?c1225
leisure1303
toom1390
respite1443
openc1485
commodity1525
occasion1526
ope1611
conveniency1645
the world > action or operation > advantage > an opportunity > have opportunity [verb (intransitive)] > take opportunity
when the pig is offered (also proffered), hold open the pokea1325
to strike while (also when) the iron is hotc1405
to take occasion1561
to take one's chance1791
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) 4 Kings v. 7 Takeþ heede & seeþ, þat occasyouns [L. occasiones] he secheþ aȝens me.
c1390 G. Chaucer Parson's Tale 951 Another remedie agayns leccherie is specially to withdrawen swiche thynges as yeue occasion to thilke vileynye as ese, etynge, and drynkynge.
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 3615 (MED) Who wil not occasiouns eschewe Nor drediþ not peril for to swe, He most among..endure aduersite.
1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope i. iv Men..sekynge occasion to doo some harme and dommage to the good.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Fiv All this he dyd to gyue vs an occasion of reuerent familiarite.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 17 Let not occasyon slyppe.
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. ii. f. 143 Of which wordes the Apostle toke occasion to make this comparison.
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 345 Till fitter occasion of revenge offered it selfe.
1660 S. Pepys Diary 6 Dec. (1970) I. 311 I took occasion to go up and to bed in a pett.
1703 J. Logan in Mem. Hist. Soc. Pennsylvania (1870) IX. 230 We take all possible care to avoid giving occasions.
1779 J. Moore View Society & Manners France (1789) I. i. 2 I now seize the first occasion of communicating the whole to you.
1799 G. Harris in Marquess Wellesley Select. Despatches (1877) 117 Colonel Wellesley's division turning the right flank of the enemy, gave occasion to General Floyd..to disperse a cutchery of infantry.
1825 J. Bentham Rationale Reward 244 A prime minister has not so many occasions for acquiring information respecting farming as a farmer.
1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) III. 597 Here..we may take occasion to correct an error which occurred at p. 582.
1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar ix. 103 Occasions of war had been caught at with rich communities.
1943 K. A. Porter Let. 29 May (1990) iv. 267 I take occasion for a little side-swipe at the high-powered Hollywood aspects of this war as photographed by such fakes as Zanuck et al.
1990 Bull. Hispanic Stud. 67 361 The annual rifa would seem to be more an occasion for mild sexual gratification—the lady is obliged to dance with the highest bidder and the couple must embrace at the end—than a contribution to religious devotion.
b. Personified as a female figure with a long forelock, but bald at the back of the head; esp. in to take occasion by the forelock. See also forelock n.2 2.
ΚΠ
a1475 Cato's Distichs (Rawl.) 339 in Englische Studien (1906) 36 31 (MED) Thogh thou be stored of gret rychesse, Balled occasion make hit sesse.
1549 W. Paget Let. 24 Jan. in Camden Misc. (1974) XXV. 20 Sir, occasion ys bawld behind, yf youe take not hold before, youe shall not after, when your grace wold.
1558–66 J. Knox Wks. II. 382 That the poetts and paynteris erred nott altogether that fayned and paynted Occasioun with a bald hynd-head.
a1593 C. Marlowe Jew of Malta (1633) v. ii Begin betimes; occasion's bald behind.
1606 L. Bryskett Disc. Ciuill Life 9 If he may once lay hold vpon that locke, which, men say, Occasion hath growing on her forehead, being bald behind.
1639 P. Massinger Unnaturall Combat v. i. sig. I4v I'll take occasion by the forelock.
1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd iii. 173 Zeal and Duty are not slow; But on Occasions forelock watchful wait. View more context for this quotation
1819 P. B. Shelley Cenci v. i. 80 We can escape even now, So we take fleet occasion by the hair.
1874 J. L. Motley Life John of Barneveld I. vii. 213 The occasion..was bald behind, and must be grasped by the forelock.
1879 J. G. Whittier in Atlantic Monthly Mar. 379 Ere occasion's overpast, Hold its flowing forelock fast.
1991 Shakespeare Q. 42 59 The soldiers are therefore figured as grabbing the virgins' hair as if they were seizing Occasion by the forelock, thus typifying the terrible opportunism of war.
2. † b. A pretext; an excuse. Obsolete.
a. A condition of things, an occurrence, fact, or consideration, giving grounds for an action or a state of mind or feeling; a (good or adequate) motive or reason; = cause n. 3. †occasion why: reason why; cf. cause why n. at cause n. 3c. †evil occasion: an inducement to sin, a stumbling block [corresponding to Hellenistic Greek σκάνδαλον scandal n. in the New Testament (Matthew 18:7; compare quot. 1526)] .
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > [noun] > motive
achesounc1230
encheason1297
quarrel1340
occasionc1384
springa1398
motive?a1439
motionc1475
springa1500
respect1528
regard1579
moment1611
movent1651
umbrage1664
what makes (someone) tick1931
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) 2 Cor. xi. 12 I kitte awey the occasioun [L. occasionem] of hem, that wolen occasioun..that in the thing in which thei glorien, thei be founde suche as and we.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1874) V. 457 (MED) Þe occasioun of his comynge into Engelond was suche.
c1430 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women 994 She tolde hym al the occasyoun Why Dido cam into that regioun.
c1450 (a1400) Orologium Sapientiæ in Anglia (1888) 10 347 (MED) Matere of ioye was turnede in to occasione of sorowe.
1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes i. vii. 17 Be not moeued for lytyl occasion.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. cxxxvii. 164 Tyll nowe there was none occasion why.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. xviii. f. xxv Wo be vnto the world because of evill occasions.
1594 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. II. 3 We shall at the least giue them occasion to thinke more seriously of their error.
1610 R. Hill Pathway to Prayer (ed. 4) Pref. sig. A5 If euer people..had occasion to praise God, we are they.
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 35 By degrees, vpon small occasion he beheaded and strangled most of them.
1714 J. Swift Some Free Thoughts upon Present State Affairs (1741) 14 What Occasions the Ministry may have given for this Coldness.
1747 S. Richardson Clarissa I. xxxvii. 250 I beg your pardon..for having given you occasion to remind me of the date of my last.
1763 J. Brown Diss. Poetry & Music vii. 141 One of the first Efforts of a growing Politeness is to avoid all Occasions of Offence.
1843 C. Dickens Christmas Carol ii. 43 The occasion of its using..a great extinguisher for a cap.
1861 J. Barr Poems 25 I'm out o' my reason, as I hae occasion.
1931 H. S. Williams Bk. Marvels 69 Few accomplishments of modern medicine give occasion for greater or more justifiable pride than the success attained in combating..the microbe responsible for..diptheria.
1958 J. Wain Contenders i. 8 He had very little occasion to feel himself in direct competition with anyone.
1993 Dict. National Biogr.: Missing Persons at Crowe Charles I had provided further occasion for dispute between all three parties by formally alienating them to Crowe in 1636.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > [noun] > motive > specious motive or pretext > alleged motive or excuse
occasiona1398
pretencec1425
colour?1435
excuse1494
allegation1614
pretension1624
umbrage1634
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 74 Hit is I-seide of an yuel lord þat he desiriþ to haue..occasiouns & colour to take sumwhat be extorsioun.
a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Philipp. i. 18 The while on al maner, ethir bi occasioun [L. occasionem], ethir bi treuthe, Crist is schewid.
1444 Rolls of Parl. V. 110/1 None of the saide Officers..be occasion or under colour of her Offices take none other thing.
a1500 (?a1430) J. Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Life Man (Stowe) 16191 Thow..fyndest somme fals Occasyoun To lese thy Skryppe and thy Bordoun.
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene iv. x. sig. I7v Delay,..Whose manner was all passengers to stay, And entertaine with her occasions sly. View more context for this quotation
1649 J. Milton Εικονοκλαστης iv. 38 All this..was but a meer pretence and occasion tak'n of his resolved absence from the Parlament.
3.
a. An occurrence leading to some result; something that produces an effect; = cause n. 1. Frequently with of, †that. to give occasion to: to give rise to, to cause.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > [noun]
causec1315
occasiona1387
mover?a1450
theme1594
inducement1605
quality1609
rise1641
eductor1794
make-way1894
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 403 (MED) Þe seylynge of Argonautes..was cause and occasioun [L. occasio] of þe bataille of Troye.
a1400 in T. Wright & J. O. Halliwell Reliquiæ Antiquæ (1845) II. 47 Yvele dedis ben occasioun of gode dedis otherewhile, as was the synne of Adam occasioun of the comyng of Crist.
a1425 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Corpus Oxf.) Josh. xxii. 25 Bi this occasioun [L. occasionem] ȝoure sones shulen turne awey oure sones fro the dreed of the Lord.
c1450 (?a1405) J. Lydgate Complaint Black Knight (Fairf.) 165 in Minor Poems (1934) ii. 389 (MED) Thoght and sekenesse wer occasioun That he thus lay in lamentacioun.
a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 72 (MED) Take vpon þiself the occasion of thi doubtes and grugge not at His statutes.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xlixv Heresies..to the reproch of Christ,..or the which may be an occasion of sedition.
1598 T. Bastard Ad Henricum Wottonem in Chrestoleros iv. 102 There the partiall Sunne still giues occasion, To the sweete dewes eternall generation.
1612 W. Strachey Lawes in P. Force Tracts (1844) III. ii. 33 Of attempting commotion, giuing occasion of sedition. or muteny in the Colony, or seducing any labourer or souldier from their duty, [etc.].
1614 in R. Pitcairn Criminal Trials Scotl. (1833) III. 292 Quhilk was the occasioune that your lo. was so long of getting word.
1669 A. Marvell Let. 19 Mar. in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 104 The crowd of businesse..obliging us to sit both forenoon and afternoon,..which indeed is the occasion that I have the less vigor left at night.
a1727 I. Newton Chronol. Anc. Kingdoms Amended (1728) ii. 205 The expulsion of the Shepherds by the Kings of Thebais was the occasion that the Philistines were so numerous in the days of Saul.
1751 S. Johnson Rambler No. 141. ⁋10 A mistake which had given occasion to a burst of merriment.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 13 A little vext at losing of the hunt, A little at the vile occasion.
1886 Dict. National Biogr. VII. 94/1 This apparently trivial incident gives occasion to a general reflection by the historian.
1902 B. T. Washington Up from Slavery vi. 103 The occasion of the trouble was that a dark-skinned man had stopped at the local hotel.
1936 J. G. Cozzens Men & Brethren i. 45 I expect it would be an occasion of grave scandal if I were for any reason found above stairs in the dwelling of a celibate by conviction and inclination.
1992 Raritan Summer 18 That defeat is..surprisingly welcomed as the occasion of an enlivening (if solipsistic) sociability.
b. A person who causes or brings about something; esp. one who does so incidentally.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > [noun] > subsidiary or contributory cause > one who occasions or contributes to a result
occasion1605
contributor1667
c1390 G. Chaucer Parson's Tale 1017 Another man be occasioun or enticere of his synne.
1444 Rolls of Parl. V. 117/2 Noon of hem take previly nor appert by hem, ne by oder..for the execution of any such Writes in oo Shire, nor be the occasion therof.
a1450 (?c1421) J. Lydgate Siege Thebes (Arun.) (1911) 2529 (MED) The kyng..of her deth was chief occasioun.
a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1959) ix. iv. 122 Ne wald I not alsso tht I suld be Causs or occasioun of sic duyll.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VII f. xxxvij He suspected yt Geralde erle of Kyldare..was the cause & occasion yt he had no succoures nor ayde sent to him.
1605 R. Verstegan Restit. Decayed Intelligence vi. 185 The Queen of English blood royall, was occasion that the depressed English nation was raised againe vnto honor and credit.
1680 Establ. Test 39 He will not forget those who have been the occasions..of cruelty.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 136. ⁋3 He was the Occasion that the Muscovites kept their Fire in so soldier-like a manner.
1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews I. i. xvii. 126 Betty, who was the Occasion of all this Hurry, had some good Qualities. View more context for this quotation
1814 R. Southey Roderick xxiv. 312 Vain hope, if all the evil was ordain'd, And..We but the poor occasion!
1893 Dict. National Biogr. XXXIV. 44/2 In February 1674 he [sc. Sir George Lockhart] was the occasion of one of the most notable occurrences connected with the Scottish bar.
1976 New Yorker 26 Apr. 49/2 Her defiance began with her snubbing the Jewish principle that a woman ought not to be the occasion of anyone else's sinning.
c. Something that contributes to produce an effect, by providing the opportunity for the efficient cause to operate; a subsidiary or incidental cause, as distinct from an efficient cause (cf. cause n. 5).
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > [noun] > subsidiary or contributory cause
by-grounda1603
occasion1605
by-cause1631
generant1635
concurrency1636
under-cause1645
causa causata1659
concurrent1667
occasional cause1728
condition1817
factor1851
1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason sig. Iiij Those causes, that are fetched farre of, and beeyng but halfe causes, partly and by the waye, geue onely the occasion.]
1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Ll1 It [sc. medicine] considereth causes of Diseases, with the occasions or impulsions. View more context for this quotation
c1630 W. Scot Apol. Narration Kirk of Scotl. (1846) 65 The occasion or irritant cause of the alteration of the Church Government.
c1705 G. Berkeley Commonplace Bk. in A. C. Fraser Life & Lett. G. Berkeley (1871) 430 What means Cause as distinguish'd from Occasion? Nothing but a being which wills, when the effect follows the volition.
1739 D. Hume Treat. Human Nature I. iii. 300 We must reject the distinction betwixt cause and occasion... If constant conjunction be imply'd in what we call occasion, 'tis a real cause. If not, 'tis no relation at all.
1827 R. Pollok Course of Time I. v. 201 These..were the occasion, not the cause of joy.
1834 T. De Quincey S. T. Coleridge in Tait's Edinb. Mag. Nov. 690/1 These were the causes; but the immediate occasion of his departure..was the favourable opportunity..of migrating in a pleasant way.
1851 H. L. Mansel Prolegomena Logica ix. 281 Experience furnishes, if not the cause, at least the occasion of every object of our cognition.
1871 W. Markby Elem. Law §433 The injury to the individual..though it is never the cause of the action of a Court of Law is the occasion of it.
1942 D. D. Runes Dict. Philos. (ed. 2) 218/2 The apparent cause does not itself actually bring about the apparent effect, but only serves as the occasion on which some other agent or force brings about that effect.
1989 M. Warnock Common Policy for Educ. (BNC) The good candidate..must distinguish ‘cause’ and ‘occasion’; the average candidate, on the other hand, must show an understanding..of the concepts of ‘cause’ and ‘consequences’.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > [noun]
thingeOE
evenOE
questionc1225
purposec1350
themec1380
mattera1387
reasonc1390
substancea1393
chapter1393
occasion1426
titlec1450
intentc1460
article1531
place1532
scope1549
subject1563
argumenta1568
string1583
matter subject1586
subject matter1587
qu.1608
haunt1622
seat1628
object matter1653
business1655
topic1728
locus1753
sub1779
ground1796
1426 in H. Nicolas Proc. & Ordinances Privy Council (1834) III. 183 (MED) Justice..shal duely..be mynystered unto him in all þinges þat he hath saide or wol say as for occasioun or matere of þe displesaunce or hevyness abovesaid.
1614 S. Latham Falconry ii. iv. 91 In the forepart of this book I haue written more at large vpon the same occasion.
1618 Bp. of Llandaff Let. 6 Dec. 174 in J. Hales Golden Remains (1673) Since this time the Synod hath been somewhat warmed: for before we were held with small occasions.
1651 in T. Fuller Abel Redevivus 238 Telling them... That in a generall Councill all occasions, defendings, opinions and judgements ought to be free.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > [noun] > causing
purchase1490
occasionc1515
occasioning1547
educing1592
inducing1626
causation1646
causing1651
induction1660
evocation1775
eductiona1806
educement1839
superinduction1842
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) 531 He made his complayntis, how by the occasyon of duke Huon of Burdeaux, he had loste .iiii. of his nephues.
1552 in R. B. Armstrong Hist. Liddesdale (1883) App. p. xciii Georde the Grahame quha upovn his awyn occacioun was slane.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cclxxvj They saye it is to be imputed, partly to their owne errour, partly to the occasion of others.
1601 B. Jonson Every Man in his Humor iv. i. sig. I3 Without adiection, of your assistance and occasion . View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) iv. i. 165 O that woman that cannot make her fault her husbands occasion, let her neuer nurse her childe her selfe. View more context for this quotation
1667 S. Pepys Diary 15 May (1974) VIII. 216 The wrong the credit of this office hath received by this rogue's occasion.
II. Something that takes place by chance, and related senses.† 6.
a. The fact of happening or occurring; a casual occurrence; an event, an incident, a circumstance; a situation; an eventuality. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [noun] > occurring or happening
chance1297
befallingc1374
betidingc1374
occasionc1390
happening1431
turna1475
event1601
cadence1603
turning up1628
eveniencya1646
cadency1647
coming1651
occurrence1725
eventuation1728
encounter1870
occurrency1920
c1390 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 161 (MED) Dyeþ mon, and beestes dye, And al is on Ocasion.
a1500 tr. Thomas à Kempis De Imitatione Christi (Trin. Dublin) (1893) 18 For occasions [L.occasiones] make not a man frayle, but þei shewiþ what þe man is.
1534 T. Elyot tr. Isocrates Doctr. Princes 9 b Dooe thou nothyng in furie, sens other men knowe what time and occasion is meetest for the.
1585 R. Lane Let. 12 Aug. in Trans. & Coll. Amer. Antiquarian Soc. (1860) 4 8 The bearer hereof, Mr. Attekynson,..hathe carryed him selfe soo honestely and soo industryousely in all occasyones and acciones of thys voyeage, that [etc.].
1602 R. Boyle Diary in Lismore Papers (1887) 2nd Ser. I. 41 Since my last hear is growne no occasion worthy the advertising.
a1649 J. Winthrop Hist. New Eng. (1853) II. 368 There fell out at this time a very sad occasion.
a1722 J. Lauder Jrnls. (1900) 53 Yeel do weill in all occassion to make your address to the Virgin, to invock her.
b. gen. The course of events or circumstances; chance, fortune. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [noun] > course of events
draughta1327
occasiona1450
events1582
subcycle1860
scenario1962
a1450 ( tr. Vegetius De Re Militari (Douce) f. 92 (MED) Occasioun [L. occasio] or sodeyn hap in bataille helpiþ more sumtyme þan vertu or strengþe.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) iv. ii. 125 With-hold thy speed, dreadfull Occasion: O make a league with me, 'till I haue pleas'd My discontented Peeres. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 (1623) iv. i. 72 Wee see which way the streame of Time doth runne, And are enforc'd from our most quiet there, By the rough Torrent of Occasion.
7. A particular chance occurrence; a case of something happening; the time of occurrence of a particular event or happening; a particular time marked by an occurrence. Formerly (also): (gen.) †a case, an instance (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > particular time > [noun]
sitheeOE
tidec897
timeeOE
mealeOE
whilec950
throwOE
charec1000
stevenOE
timeOE
seasona1300
tempest1382
world1389
occasionc1425
tidement1575
period1602
minute1607
hinta1670
epoch1728
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) v. 681 (MED) What pereil is to don offence Of hiȝe dispit to any hooly place..for swiche þing many Greke þer sterveþ Be-cause only of swich occasioun.
?c1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (Paris) (1971) 226 (MED) And of alle [wounds], in þe whiche is akþe and apostemacioun and occasioun of crampinge.
?a1450 ( J. Lydgate Serpent of Division (McClean) (1911) 56 (MED) Þei..þowȝte hem so assured in here felicite, þat þei myȝte not bi no collaterall occasion of aduersite be perturbed.
a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1960) xiii. v. 93 Quharby thou has sa gret dolour astart And fled sa huge occasions of myschief.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 116 Hearyng the king vpon an occasion to talke of breade.
1573 J. Sanford tr. L. Guicciardini Hours Recreat. (1576) 121 When there were deade at Milan..certayne noble..yong men, Alciato made upon that occasion..these wittie verses.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. ii. 142 Vpon the next occasion that we meete. View more context for this quotation
1645 J. Winthrop Declar. Former Passages 3 Miantonimo being sent for by the Governour of the Massachusets upon another occasion, brought his Pequot with him.
1657 in J. D. Marwick Extracts Rec. Burgh Glasgow (1881) II. 366 The ingyne laitlie made..for the occatioune of suddent fyre, in spouting out of water thairof.
1693 J. Evelyn tr. J. de La Quintinie Compl. Gard'ner i. ii. xii. 37 It ought to have a Ballustre with some Steps to come down into that Garden, which is an Ornament to be wish'd for in such Occasions.
1707 tr. P. Le Lorrain de Vallemont Curiosities in Husbandry & Gardening 145 Thus argues Boyle in several Occasions.
1749 D. Hartley Observ. Man i. ii. 218 These Muscles drawing the Eye out on eminent Occasions.
1781 W. Cowper Friendship 148 Sometimes occasion brings to light Our friend's defect long hid from sight.
1834 T. Medwin Angler in Wales II. 24 Till that occasion, I never had known what terror really was.
1873 A. Trollope Eustace Diamonds I. xvi. 216 The diamonds..had been bought..by Sir Florian's grandfather, on the occasion of his marriage with the daughter of a certain duke.
1883 Athenæum 8 Sept. 305/1 An article of his appearing on the occasion of the death of Gogol.
1919 P. G. Wodehouse Their Mutual Child i. vii. 83 He could not recall a single occasion on which they had fallen out.
1943 R. Tregaskis Guadalcanal Diary ix. 162 I had been assigned..aboard a tiny Diesel-engined ship which was acting as an auxiliary transport for the occasion.
1969 A. MacLeish Let. 26 June (1983) 426 Mr. William Safire has told me of the honor you propose to do me in requesting that I write a poem on the occasion of the July moonlanding.
1987 R. Ingalls End of Trag. 42 He saw her in town on three different occasions.
8. An event or function of some special kind.
a. A religious function or ceremony; spec. in some Scottish Presbyterian Churches: a Communion service. Now archaic and historical.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > observance, ritual > [noun] > instance or form of
churchOE
servicelOE
rightlOE
observancea1250
officec1300
preachingc1350
ritec1350
ceremonyc1380
usea1382
prayerc1384
form1399
ordinancea1400
ordera1425
worship?a1425
worshippingc1443
common prayer1493
common servicea1500
ordinarya1513
celebrity1534
church servicea1555
religious exercise1560
function1564
agend1581
church office1581
liturgy1593
Common Prayer service1648
ritualities1648
ceremonial1672
hierurgy1678
occasion1761
religiosities1834
cursus1865
joss-pidgin1886
worship service1929
1642 S. Leith Rec. 39 Thomas Wryght..to be more carefull heirefter to use the meines be ordainer attendance upon the occationes of the word and sacraments.]
1761 Mem. W. Smellie (1811) I. 85 I write this on Sunday, in full possession of the house, the family being gone to an occasion.
1789–90 A. Wilson Jrnl. in Poems & Lit. Prose (1876) I. 29 It has been our custom, on the Tuesday's night after our Occasion, to be hearty over a pint.
1803 A. Pringle Serm. & Lett. (1840) 190 Our autumn occasions had been good times to many.
1844 Sage's Wks. I. 368 (note) They [sc. servants] were to be allowed to attend a certain number of fairs and occasions or sacraments during the year.
1892 C. G. McCrie Worship Presbyterian Scotl. 311 The administration of the Lord's Supper upon what are styled ‘occasions’.
1900 C. Hanbury Autobiogr. (1901) xv. 224 When the Home-going is, I want to say..‘by desire’—no flowers... Also I would much wish a Church of England occasion.
1974 D. D. Murison in Liturgical Rev. i. 47 Communion grew in importance and solemnity. It was ‘The Occasion’ par excellence, and old people are still heard using the term.
b. A special ceremony or celebration; a social function; a significant or noteworthy happening.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > social event > [noun]
special occasion1574
affair1736
functiona1792
event1820
doa1824
socialities1825
occasion1855
time1878
1855 E. C. Gaskell North & South xvi, in Househ. Words 28 Oct. 254/2 The wardrobe shelf with handles, that served as a supper-tray on grand occasions!
1860 R. W. Emerson Culture in Conduct of Life (London ed.) 136 Keep the town for occasions, but the habits should be formed to retirement.
1870 C. Dickens Edwin Drood iii. 16 These occasions seem to go off tolerably well without me, Pussy.
1925 W. Cather Professor's House ii. vi. 233 The Secretary of War gave a reception; there was to be dancing and a great showing of foreign uniforms. The Bixbys..decided that for such an occasion she [sc. Mrs. Bixby] must have a new dress.
1956 H. Williams & M. Williams Plaintiff in Pretty Hat in Plays of Year XV. 163 You've made it quite clear this isn't an occasion, and we've got nothing to celebrate.
1975 T. Callender It so Happen 72 It was a big occasion, held at the Hilton.
1999 in S. Owen Indonesian Regional Food & Cookery Introd. 22 A spread like this would be associated with a great occasion: a rich family wedding or circumcision feast.
III. A need, necessity.
9. † b. A particular (esp. a personal) need, want, or requirement. Chiefly in plural. Obsolete.
a. A conjunction of circumstances requiring or calling for action; necessity or need arising from circumstances. Frequently with infinitive. Also with for, †of.to rise to the occasion: see rise v. 24c.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > necessity > condition of being necessary > need or want > [noun] > need arising from the circumstances
needeOE
mistera1325
mist?a1425
occasion1545
1545 in A. I. Cameron Sc. Corr. Mary of Lorraine (1927) 137 I schew the Kyng..syndry tyms the grit occatione your grace hes had and dayly hes till mak grit expensis.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Hippocrates in Panoplie Epist. 278 Tell me (good friende) what occasion constrained you, to seeke accesse hether?
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 iii. ii. 74 When he had occasion to be seene, He was but as the Cuckoe is in Iune, Heard, not regarded. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) iii. i. 18 Hauing great and instant occasion to vse fiftie Talents. View more context for this quotation
1663 in J. Hunter Diocese & Presbytery Dunkeld (1918) II. 31 Being without the bounds of the presbetrie for the tyme upon necessarie occasione.
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World v. 110 5000 packs of flower, for a reserve, if we should have occasion of any.
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 439. ¶3 There will be no Occasion for him.
1756 G. G. Beekman in Beekman Mercantile Papers (1956) I. 278 I have occaision for Blands Military Dicipline [sic] in quarto.
1765 H. Walpole Vertue's Anecd. Painting (ed. 2) II. iii. 150 Having frequent occasion to make use of enamel.
1792 H. H. Brackenridge Mod. Chivalry (1956) I. i. 56 I would not communicate these mysteries of our trade, were it not that I confide in your good sense, and have occasion for your servant.
1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 159 The corrector..scarcely had occasion to alter a word.
1884 Illustr. London News 27 Sept. 291/2 There is no occasion to call in the magicians, and the astrologers.
1885 Law Times 79 130/1 Every lawyer who has had occasion to thread the labyrinth of the statutes under which London is governed.
1915 W. S. Maugham Of Human Bondage v. 16 When the occasion for firmness no longer existed she gave way.
1986 A. Harding Also Georgiana (1988) i. 21 Matilda Chatterton appeared more than usually agitated whenever she had occasion to address me.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > necessity > condition of being necessary > need or want > [noun] > a personal need
occasion1600
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice i. i. 139 My purse, my person, my extreamest meanes Lie all vnlockt to your occasions . View more context for this quotation
1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 174 Seeing the People cut them into many sluces, and divert the stream to serve their occasions.
1730 J. Clarke Ess. Educ. Youth (ed. 2) 171 The Latin Tongue wants Words to answer a great many of our modern Occasions.
1752 H. Fielding Amelia I. iii. vii. 224 He had not a Shilling left to spare from his own Occasions.
1795 Ld. Nelson Let. 19 July in Dispatches & Lett. (1845) II. 57 A total deprivation of sight for every common occasion in life is the consequence of the loss of part of the crystal of my right eye.
1806 J. Beresford Miseries Human Life I. v. 102 I hope you can contrive to suit them to my occasions.
1823 W. Scott St. Ronan's Well I. xiii. 300 I will have no objection in life to take Mr Tyrrel's place, and serve your occasion, my boy!
1897 Hammond Parish 79 Provide and supply the occasions of such persons as are or shall become chargeable to the said parish.
10.
a. Something that a person needs to do; necessary business; a matter, a piece of business, a business engagement. Chiefly in plural: affairs, business.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > duties > [noun] > a duty or piece of business
affairc1390
deedc1400
business1476
occasion1587
pensum1667
job1680
1587 Maxwell Mem. II. 161 I haud sicc occatiounes at that tyme as I mycht nocht be laysertt.
1594 T. Nashe Vnfortunate Traveller sig. E3 No interpleading was there of opposite occasions.
1607 Statutes in M. H. Peacock Hist. Free Gram. School Wakefield (1892) 57 Sucche as..have occasion with the governours.
1609 in Quarter Sessions Rec. (N. Riding Rec. Soc.) (1884) I. 173 They going about their occasions.
1636 Earl of Manchester in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 276 My occasions are so many as I know not whether they will give me any leave to see the country this summer.
1679 G. Rose tr. P. Boaistuau Theatre of World i. 41 They employed themselves about their lawful occasions.
a1713 T. Ellwood Hist. Life (1714) 70 You are discharged, and may take your Liberty, to go about your Occasions.
1722 D. Defoe Moll Flanders 301 You have broken the Peace in bringing an honest Woman out of the Street, when she was about her lawful Occasion, confining her in your Shop, and ill using her here by your Servants.
1783 Ld. Nelson Let. 28 Oct. in Dispatches & Lett. (1844) I. 83 Six months leave of absence, to go to Lisle, in France, on my private occasions.
1840 R. H. Barham Mrs. Botherby's Story in Ingoldsby Legends 1 120 Betake thyself to thy lawful occasions.
1950 R. Macauley World My Wilderness iv. 45 Guests arrived to find their hostess gone out on her own occasions.
1980 J. R. L. Anderson Death in City (BNC) 34 Tugs, lighters, oil tankers, and general cargo coasters, pursuing their lawful occasions on the Thames. Any one of them might have been used for an unlawful occasion.
b. An act of defecation. Also necessary occasion. Chiefly in plural. Now rare and English regional.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > organs of excretion > defecation or urination > [noun]
needOE
necessary1440
needinga1500
bodily function1655
occasion1670
toileting1793
call1815
voiding1926
1670 P. Rycaut Pres. State Ottoman Empire (ed. 3) iii. xi. 206 The Camp is always clean and free from ordure and filth; there being holes digged nere every Tent, which are encompassed about with Canvas for the more privacy and accommodation in mens necessary occasions.
1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 156 Where they do all occasions, leaving their Excrements there.
1698 Bp. S. Patrick Comm. Third Bk. Moses viii. 125 While some watched, others might sleep, or step out about the necessary occasions of Nature.
1755 T. Smollett tr. M. de Cervantes Don Quixote I. iv. xx. 367 My master Don Quixote..eats, drinks, and does his occasions, like other men.
1789 M. Madan in tr. Persius Satires (1795) 38 (note) It was unlawful to do their occasions or to make water in any sacred place.
1798 tr. J. F. G. de la Pérouse Voy. round World (J. Johnson ed.) II. ix. 136 They never remove themselves more than two steps for the performance of any necessary occasion, in which they seek neither for shade nor privacy, as if they had not an instant to lose.
1810 T. Fremantle Let. 30 Oct. in Wynne Diaries (1940) My pug dog improves daily but having given him a beating for doing his lawful occasions in my cabin.
1823 E. Moor Suffolk Words 258 Gone for his occasion, or 'on his occasions', in a particular sense of necessity, not demanding further explanation.
a1903 J. Wright in Eng. Dial. Dict. (at cited word) [Berks.] He has only gone to do his occasions.
Phrases
P1. † a. by occasion of: (a) through the (incidental) operation or agency of; by reason of; on account of; because of; (b) during the course of or incidental connection with. by occasion that: for the reason that, because. by the occasion of: by reason of or on account of. Obsolete. [Compare Middle French a l'occasion de ce que because (1459), a l'occasion que, a l'occasion de because of (c1462).]
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > cause or reason > [phrase] > because
by reason (that)a1393
by the cause thatc1405
by occasion thatc1425
in respect of1528
inasmuch1732
the world > existence and causation > causation > cause or reason > [phrase] > because of
in virtue ofa1250
by (also for) reason ofa1350
by the virtue ofa1375
by the cause ofc1405
by occasion ofc1425
for cause ofc1425
by way of1447
for suit of1451
in respect of1528
in consideration of1540
in regard of1600
in intuition to1626
by or in vigour of1636
along1680
in view of1710
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) i. 916 Many loud and many riche toun Was edified by thocasioun Of þis werre.
c1443 R. Pecock Reule of Crysten Religioun (1927) 196 (MED) He..by occasioun of þilk offryng..is þe scharplier remembrid vpon his purpos entendid.
a1475 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Laud) (1885) 129 (MED) We haue also sene..somme off the kynges subgettes gyff hym bataill by occasion þat thair livelod and offices were þe grettest off þe lande.
a1475 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Laud) (1885) 132 By occasion wheroff [sc. compulsory sale of salt], thai woll than at euery mele groche with the Kynge.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccclxvj The Archebyshops of Mentz, Treuers and Collon by occasion of the bathes met that tyme together.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccclxxviij A few daies after, Iohn Sleidane, by occasion of talke spake of the same to the Emperours Ambassadour.
1570 Court Bk. Broughton & Canongate (1937) 218 Deduceand the ferd penny of the said annuell..be occasioun that..the haill tenement libellit wes brint be the auld inemeis of Ingland.
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 124 They which by occasion of iournying or uncleannesse could not now celebrate the Passeover.
1641 Acts (1817) v. 593/1 Be the occatioun of laik of guid governement.
b. †by occasion: by chance, casually, incidentally (obsolete). †by occasions: = on (also upon) occasion (obsolete). on (also upon) occasion: as need or opportunity arises; now and then, occasionally. †on (also upon) occasion of: in connection with, on account of, with reference to (obsolete). [Compare French par occasion by chance (1606), classical Latin per occasionem as the opportunity arises, and Middle French à l'occasion de in connection with (1553).]
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > chance or causelessness > chance [phrase] > by chance
by perchance1495
at a venture1517
per accidens1528
at hazard (also hazards)a1533
at random1543
by occasion1562
at range1568
by the way1572
by (also at) (a) peradventurea1586
hit or miss1609
at the by1611
hob-nob1660
hit and miss1897
the world > existence and causation > causation > chance or causelessness > chance [phrase] > upon occasion of
on (also upon) occasion of1562
the world > time > frequency > infrequency > [adverb] > sometimes or occasionally
whiloma900
whilea1000
stoundmealc1000
stundumOE
otherwhileOE
umquhile1154
with and withc1175
by stoundsa1225
otherwhilesc1225
umbestound?c1225
umbewhilec1230
then and thenc1275
sometime…sometime1297
umstounda1300
by while13..
over while13..
sometime1340
umbe throwea1350
at timesa1382
now and again (also anon, eft, now)a1393
umbwhile1393
eftsoona1398
sometimea1400
by sithesc1400
umbestoundsc1400
from time to (formerly unto) time1423
now and (also or) then1445
ever now and nowa1470
when and whenc1470
occasionallya1475
in timesa1500
whiles?a1500
whilomsa1500
sometimes1526
somewhiles1528
at whiles1540
ever now and then1542
a-whiles1546
somewhiles…, somewhiles1547
at sometimes1548
now and thenc1550
ever and anon1558
by occasions1562
on (also upon) occasion1562
as soon…as soon1581
every now and then (also again)1642
by a time1721
once and a while1765
ever and again1788
periodically1825
in spots1851
1562 T. Cooper Answere Def. Truth Pref. sig. E1v, in Apol. Priuate Masse One of the copies of this answere by occasion..lighted into my hands.
c1585 R. Browne Answere to Cartwright 3 The prayers may be..left off by occasions: as when the Minister is to preach.
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream iii. i. 139 Nay I can gleeke, vpon occasion . View more context for this quotation
a1649 J. Winthrop Hist. New Eng. (1853) II. 26 Mr. Peter by occasion preached one Lord's day.
1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 24 Petty Islands..which..environ, and in a sort defend her upon occasion.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 136. ⁋3 Upon occasion of the mention of the Battle of Pultowa, I could not forbear giving an Account [etc.].
1803 T. Jefferson Let. 13 Jan. in Writings (1984) 1111 The agitation of the public mind on occasion of the late suspension of our right of deposit at N. Orleans is extreme.
1845 J. Lingard Hist. & Antiq. Anglo-Saxon Church (ed. 3) I. App. k. 407 On occasion of these grants it may not be amiss to add a few remarks.
1884 W. E. Norris Thirlby Hall ix She could be extremely generous upon occasion.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 197/1 Necessarily, the first and second naval lords work together, and upon occasion can replace each other.
1987 USA Today 14 Oct. 6/6 Publicity on occasion should be subordinate to concerns of privacy.
P2. on (also †at, †upon) all occasions: at all times, in all circumstances.
ΚΠ
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Eviv That therfore the Skottes must be..reddie at all occasions, in aunters the Englyshe men should sturre neuer so litle.
1638 in J. Stuart Extracts Council Reg. Aberdeen (1871) I. 127 For..loadning of shippis..quhilk at all occasiounes cannot convenientlie floitt with thair gudes.
a1640 J. Fletcher et al. Queene of Corinth iii. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Bbbbbb2/2 To countenance us in the confronts and affronts, which..we meane on all occasions to put upon the Lord Euphanes.
1655 Woodall's Surgeons Mate (new ed.) 153 Words..which might serve at all assayes, or upon all occasions.
1682 in A. O. Ewing View Merchants House Glasgow (1866) 37 To have them [sc. fire-buckets] in reddines at all occasiounes.
1754 E. Burt Lett. N. Scotl. II. xxi. 156 This Officer..is to be ready, upon all Occasions, to venture his Life, in Defence of his Master.
1796 F. Burney Camilla I. ii. iii. 183 A stranger to reflection, and incapable of care, laughter seemed not merely the bent of his humour, but the necessity of his existence: he pursued it at all seasons, he indulged it upon all occasions.
1831 J. J. Audubon Ornithol. Biogr. I. 110 When those [mocking birds] which had gone to the Eastern States..have returned, they are instantly known by the ‘southrons’ who attack them on all occasions.
1885 Daily Chron. 23 Jan. 4/8 Italy on her side will on all occasions offer moral support to England in her Egyptian policy.
1907 F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (ed. 2 reissued) I. 76 A favourite daughter, to whom he turned on all occasions for sympathy and affection.
1991 B. Cox Cox on Cox (BNC) 29 Standard English..varies according to style, purpose and audience: no one speaks or writes in the same way on all occasions.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > [phrase] > for the sake of
for my (our, etc.) loveeOE
for the love ofeOE
for (one's, a thing's) sakea1225
for sert ofa1400
for (also upon) a person's occasion1567
in favour of1605
for sake('s) sake1665
on occasion of (a person)1860
1567 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure II. xxv. f. 227v I neuer receiued so much of fortunes grace, as to make you feele..the torment euery minute of ye day sustained for your occasion.
1656 J. Bramhall Replic. to Bishop of Chalcedon v. 221 Had they not reason to wellcome them..who were come only upon their occasion?
1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits iii. 41 The traveller..reads quietly the Times newspaper, which..seems to have machinized the rest of the world for his occasion.
1860 E. B. Pusey Minor Prophets 388 Whoso amendeth not on occasion of others, others shall be amended on occasion of him.
Compounds
C1. † occasion-giver n. Obsolete
ΚΠ
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 113 Stephen..which had bene the occasion geuer of all the tumults.
C2.
occasion wear n. formal clothing designed to be worn at a social event or function.
ΚΠ
1979 Washington Post 24 Oct. b5 Arrange your closet with sections for the top half of the body.., the bottom half of the body.., the whole body..and special-occasion wear.]
1988 Guardian 14 Nov. 21/2 Founders, Sharon White and Jennie Sharpe, have selected a good range of designer cocktail wear, party dresses, occasion wear and ballgowns.
2000 You & your Wedding Mar. 362/1 A stunning collaboration of bridal couture, bespoke occasionwear and accessories.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2004; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† occasionn.2
Scottish. Obsolete. rare.
The setting (of the sun).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > sun > solar movement > [noun] > setting
sunsetOE
going downa1382
downhielda1400
downfalling1422
downgate1440
gate-downc1440
sunsetting1440
going under1490
occasionc1540
going to1581
setting sun1591
set of day1623
earthrise1918
c1540 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1901) I. i. xix. 108 Ane litil afore þe occasioun of þe sone [L. paulo ante quam sol occideret].
c1540 J. Bellenden tr. H. Boece Hyst. & Cron. Scotl. (1821) I. 171 Now was the sonne fast tending to his occasion [L. occasum].
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2004; most recently modified version published online December 2020).
occasionv.
/əˈkeɪʒn/, U.S. /əˈkeɪʒ(ə)n/ 1. † c. transitive. To cause (a person) to go somewhere. Obsolete. rare.
a. transitive. To be the occasion or cause of; to give rise to, cause, bring about, esp. incidentally.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > [verb (transitive)]
wieldeOE
timberc897
letc900
rearOE
doOE
i-wendeOE
workOE
makeOE
bringc1175
raisec1175
shapec1315
to owe (also have) a wold (also on wield)a1325
procurec1330
purchasec1330
causec1340
conform1377
performa1382
excite1398
induce1413
occasionate?c1450
occasionc1454
to bring about1480
gara1500
to bring to passc1513
encause1527
to work out1534
inferc1540
excitate?1549
import1550
ycause1563
frame1576
effect1581
to bring in1584
effectuatea1586
apport?1591
introduce1605
create1607
generate1607
cast1633
efficiate1639
conciliate1646
impetrate1647
state1654
accompass1668
to bring to bear1668
to bring on1671
effectivate1717
makee1719
superinduce1837
birth1913
c1454 R. Pecock Folewer to Donet 222 (MED) Outward deedis goyng bifore loue or charite in þe wil, as in wey of gendryng or occasionyng or helpyng into þe seid loue or charite in þe wil.
c1475 (c1445) R. Pecock Donet (1921) 116 (MED) If willing forto conforme or obeie to god or to resoun, as occasionyd and circumstauncid bi passional loue to god, be callid ‘loue to god’.
c1487 J. Skelton tr. Diodorus Siculus Bibliotheca Historica v. 355 Somme ther be whiche that [in] theyr ymagynacion conceyue by their natural pryncyplis how thurgh those secrete partis the generacion of man pryncypally is occasioned.
1523 J. Skelton Goodly Garlande of Laurell 694 What thynge occasionyd the showris of rayne, Of fyre elementar in his supreme spere.
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. i. sig. Z5 My haplesse case Is not occasiond through my misdesert. View more context for this quotation
1632 J. Hayward tr. G. F. Biondi Eromena 147 Either too light, or too free feeding hath occasioned you this dreame.
1665 S. Pepys Diary 2 Jan. (1972) VI. 2 I occasioned much mirth with a ballet I brought with me.
1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. i. iv. 71 Any Course of Action, which will probably occasion them greater temporal Inconvenience.
1796 J. Morse Amer. Universal Geogr. (new ed.) I. 170 Its spray rises a great height in the air, occasioning a thick cloud of vapours.
1838–9 F. A. Kemble Jrnl. Resid. Georgian Plantation (1863) 84 I saw an advertisement..which occasioned me much thought.
1861 T. A. Trollope La Beata I. viii. 188 The laborious dot-and-go-one walk occasioned by his lameness.
1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) V. 166 He whose folly is occasioned by his own jealousy..is to suffer more heavily.
1931 E. Bowen Friends & Relations ii. i. 53 The excellent tart at lunch had occasioned discussion.
1978 Morecambe Guardian 14 Mar. 20/2 [The man]..admitted assaulting a police officer occasioning him actual bodily harm.
1985 Times Lit. Suppl. 5 July 746/1 Shortening occasions some unimportant distortions.
1999 Guardian 29 Jan. i. 18/2 The occasion when I employed a drystone dyker there followed the collapse occasioned by a car skidding off an ice patch.
b. transitive. To cause (a person or thing) to be or to do something. Also in passive: to be caused or constrained by circumstances.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > [verb (transitive)] > cause to do or cause to act
makea1225
putc1300
gara1340
have1390
geta1400
to set (a-)going1530
set1577
occasion1587
1587 F. Thynne Ann. Scotl. 412/1 in Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) II Which occasioned the castell of Edenborough to be reasseeged and inuironed both by sea and land.
1610 J. Boys Wks. (1630) 413 I am occasioned here to meet a peeuish and vncharitable people.
1670 in M. Wood Extracts Rec. Burgh Edinb. (1950) X. 84 The laissines..of the induellers hes occasioned..this citie to be exceedinglie dirtie.
1717 tr. A. F. Frézier Voy. South-Sea 77 When any Man happens to have a violent Fall, which occasions him to bleed at the Nose.
1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 134 This occasioned him to be much in the shop.
1885 Dict. National Biogr. II. 54/1 An attack of small-pox occasioned him to lose his situation.
1993 F. Delaney Walk to Western Isles (BNC) 199 A little unaccustomed brandy..occasioned him to reveal to his hostess why he never drank.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > transference > sending > send [verb (transitive)] > give reason to go
occasion1653
send1751
1653 I. Walton Compl. Angler i. 2 I have stretch'd my legs up Totnam Hil to overtake you, hoping your businesse may occasion you towards Ware. View more context for this quotation
a. transitive. to a course of action. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > motivate [verb (transitive)]
movec1325
occasion?1529
to put in mind1579
act1597
motive1657
actuate1736
motivate1863
the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > do habitually [verb (transitive)] > accustom (a person)
weanc960
wonc1175
to teach to1297
usec1300
usec1405
accustom1422
wontc1440
custom?c1450
enure1489
inure1489
induce1490
habituate1530
ure1530
usage1530
trade1539
to trade up1556
exercise1558
flesh1591
habit?1615
habitate1621
occasion1684
usen1715
usen1861
ethize1876
?1529 Proper Dyaloge Gentillman & Husbandman sig. A iijv By the meanes wherof I and suche other..Are occasyoned to theft or mourder.
1545 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Luke in Paraphr. New Test. xix. 156 This is thy daie, in whiche thou art occasioned to emendemente.
a1555 H. Latimer Serm. & Remains (1845) II. 243 That ye..do at all times the best that you can to occasion your parishioners to peace.
1684 I. Mather Ess. Illustrious Provid. (1890) i. 4 My children..poor souls, whom I had occasioned to such an end in their tender years, when as they could scarce be sensible of death.
b. transitive. to do something. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1535 Bible (Coverdale) New Test. Ded. Such ignorant bodies..shall through this small labour be occasioned to attain unto more knowledge.
1552 R. Record Ground of Artes (rev. ed.) ii. sig. Z.viii To occasion you to study the better, I wyl leaue this doubt wholly to your owne searche.
1563 2nd Tome Homelyes Fasting, in J. Griffiths Two Bks. Homilies (1859) ii. 294 Fasting was one of the meanes whereby Almighty God was occasioned to alter the thing which hee had purposed concerning Ahab.
1678 R. Cudworth True Intellect. Syst. Universe i. iv. 225 Aristotle..was not occasioned to do that..because it was a Doctrine then Generally Received, but only because he had a mind, odiously to impute such a thing to the Pythagoreans.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > effect, result, or consequence > consequently or as a result [phrase]
unto so micklec1390
per consequencec1395
by suing?a1425
by consequent1489
by relation1565
of consequence1573
by consequence1581
occasion1634
in suit ofa1652
in consequence of1683
owing to1744
in consequence1775
in the wake of1866
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 47 [The ship] sunke and was swallowed by the Sands, occasioned by a hole, neglected by the Carpenter.
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 185 Some of which..were drowned, vnable to swim to shore occasioned by age, and violent course of the Sea.
1657 R. Ligon True Hist. Barbados 27 Our locks too..will rust in the wards..and all this occasion'd by the moystnesse of the Ayre.
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World i. 128 The Indians Dwellings..were all at a Distance from the River, occasion'd..by the Rivers overflowing the flat Grounds near its Banks.
1788 T. Jefferson Memorandums Tour Paris 21 Apr. in Papers (1956) XIII. 28 The hills are mulatto also but whitish, occasioned by the quantity of chalk which seems to constitute their universal base.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)]
noteOE
take?a1160
turnc1175
usec1300
to fare witha1340
benote1340
spenda1400
usea1400
weara1400
naitc1400
occupy1423
to put (also set) in work?a1425
practise?c1430
apply1439
employ?1473
to call upon ——1477
help1489
tew1489
handle1509
exercise1526
improvea1529
serve1538
feed1540
enure1549
to make (also take) (a) use of1579
wield1601
adoperate1612
to avail oneself ofa1616
to avail oneself ofa1616
prevail1617
to make practice of1623
ploy1675
occasion1698
to call on ——1721
subserve1811
nuse1851
utilize1860
1698 Spelman's Hist. Sacrilege 202 I know a Merchantman..that bought the Contents of two noble Libraries for 40s. a piece..this stuff hath he occasioned instead of Grey Paper by the space of more than these ten Years [Quoting Bale, who has occupyed].
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2004; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1a1382
n.2c1540
v.c1454- telephotographic
- telephotographic lens
- telephotographies
- telephotographing
- telephotographs
- telephotography
- telephotometer
- telephotomicrography
- telephotos
- telephoty
- telepic
- teleplasm
- teleplasmic
- teleplastic
- teleplay
- teleplayer
- teleplays
- telepoint
- telepoint compass
- telepolariscope
- telepolitics
- teleport
- teleportage
- teleportation
- teleportations