\Sake\ (s[=a]k), n. [OE. sake cause, also, lawsuit, fault,
AS. sacu strife, a cause or suit at law; akin to D. zaak
cause, thing, affair, G. sache thing, cause in law, OHG.
sahha, Icel. s["o]k, Sw. sak, Dan. sag, Goth. sakj[=o]
strife, AS. sacan to contend, strive, Goth. sakam, Icel. saka
to contend, strive, blame, OHG. sahhan, MHG. sachen, to
contend, strive, defend one's right, accuse, charge in a
lawsuit, and also to E. seek. Cf. {Seek}.]
Final cause; end; purpose of obtaining; cause; motive;
reason; interest; concern; account; regard or respect; --
used chiefly in such phrases as, for the sake of, for his
sake, for man's sake, for mercy's sake, and the like; as, to
commit crime for the sake of gain; to go abroad for the sake
of one's health.
      Moved with wrath and shame and ladies' sake. --Spenser.
      I will not again curse the ground any more for man's
      sake.                                    --Gen. viii.
                                               21.
      Will he draw out, For anger's sake, finite to infinite?
                                               --Milton.
      Knowledge is for the sake of man, and not man for the
      sake of knowledge.                       --Sir W.
                                               Hamilton.
Note: The -s of the possessive case preceding sake is
      sometimes omitted for euphony; as, for goodness sake.
      ``For conscience sake.'' --1 Cor. x. 28. The plural
      sakes is often used with a possessive plural. ``For
      both our sakes.'' --Shak.