\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.
         The unlooked-for incidents of family history, and
         its hidden excitements, and its arduous occasions.
                                               --I. Taylor.
2. A favorable opportunity; a convenient or timely chance;
   convenience.
         Sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived
         me.                                   --Rom. vii.
                                               11.
         I'll take the occasion which he gives to bring Him
         to his death.                         --Waller.
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.
         Her beauty was the occasion of the war. --Dryden.
4. Need; exigency; requirement; necessity; as, I have no
   occasion for firearms.
         After we have served ourselves and our own
         occasions.                            --Jer. Taylor.
         When my occasions took me into France. --Burke.
5. A reason or excuse; a motive; a persuasion.
         Whose manner was, all passengers to stay, And
         entertain with her occasions sly.     --Spenser.
{On occasion}, in case of need; in necessity; as convenience
   requires; occasionally. ``That we might have intelligence
   from him on occasion,'' --De Foe.
Syn: Need; incident; use. See {Opportunity}.

\Oc*ca"sion\ ([o^]k*k[=a]"zh[u^]n), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Occasioned} (-zh[u^]nd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Occasioning}.]
[Cf.F. occasionner.]
To give occasion to; to cause; to produce; to induce; as, to
occasion anxiety. --South.
      If we inquire what it is that occasions men to make
      several combinations of simple ideas into distinct
      modes.                                   --Locke.