Definition of Casus belli

1. Noun. An event used to justify starting a war.

Generic synonyms: Beginning

Definition of Casus belli

1. Noun. An act seen as justifying or causing a war. ¹

2. Noun. (plural of casus belli) ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Casus Belli

casuals
casualties
casualty
casualwear
casuarina
casuarinas
casuist
casuistic
casuistical
casuistically
casuistics
casuistries
casuistry
casuists
casus
casus belli (current term)
casus foederis
caswellsilverite
cat's-claw
cat's-ear
cat's-eye
cat's-eye pupil
cat's-eye syndrome
cat's-foot
cat's-paw
cat's-tail
cat's cradle
cat's cradles
cat's eye

Literary usage of Casus belli

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Cyclopaedia of Political Science, Political Economy, and of the Political by John Joseph Lalor (1883)
"Case, Lewie 855 casus belli 855 Caucus,The Congressional (in US Caucus System 357 History) 355 Cause and Eflect in Politics 864 ..."

2. Gilbert and Sullivan and Their Operas: With Recollections and Anecdotes of D by François Cellier, Cunningham Bridgeman (1914)
"... serious tempest—The Three Savoyards quarrel and go to law—casus belli : a carpet—Dissolution of partnership —Gilbert collaborates with Alfred Cellier on ..."

3. History: Fiction of Science? by Anatoly Fomenko (2005)
"The legend of a woman and the casus belli of the Trojan War 33a. The Trojan War. The protagonist of the Trojan version is Helen, the beautiful wife of ..."

4. The Wall Street Point of View by Henry Clews (1900)
"His misapprehensions regarding the nature of so-called international law, and what constitutes a casus belli. — The President's just cause for offense at ..."

5. The World in the Crucible: An Account of the Origins & Conduct of the Great War by Gilbert Parker (1915)
"... what statement we would make in Parliament tomorrow— in effect, whether we should declare violation of Belgian neutrality to be a casus belli. ..."

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