a box or covering that protects or holds something
He put his glasses back in their case before going to bed.
The new phone comes with a clear protective case in the box.
✦ Originates from Latin "capsa" meaning box.
a particular example or situation of something happening
In this case, the cheaper material turned out to be stronger.
It may rain, so take an umbrella just in case.
✦ Middle English from Old French ‘cas’, from Latin ‘casus’ meaning event or occurrence.
a problem or disagreement that is decided in a court of law
The jury found the evidence convincing and ruled in favor of our case.
Her lawyer said the case could take months to reach trial.
✦ Evolved from the general sense of ‘event’ to the legal sense in the 14th century.
an instance of a particular disease or medical condition in one person
Doctors reported a new case of measles in the city.
Hundreds of cases were confirmed during the outbreak.
✦ Specialized medical sense arose in the 17th century as record-keeping of patients became systematic.
to look carefully at a building or place, especially to prepare for stealing from it
The thieves cased the jewelry store for days before the robbery.
She noticed a stranger casing the neighborhood and called the police.
✦ Originated in American criminal slang of the late 19th century, probably from the noun sense of ‘case’ meaning ‘situation’.
