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probable cause

noun — 2 senses

probable cause

noun

Etymology Elliptical for “probable cause to suspect a crime has been committed”, where probable carries the sense “worthy of acceptance or belief”. Attested in legal contexts since the 17th century.

1

Law US Reasonable grounds for making an arrest or conducting a personal or property search.

2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see probable, cause.

  • the probable cause of the accident
Related terms
burden of proof, clear and convincing evidence, preponderance of the evidence, beyond a reasonable doubt

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.