provocation

provocation is defined in Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913) with 4 senses. The full text of each entry is reproduced verbatim below.

Definitions

  1. 1.That which provokes, or excites anger; the cause of resentment; as, to give provocation. Paley.
  2. 2.Incitement; stimulus; as, provocation to mirth.
  3. 3.(Law) Such prior insult or injury as may be supposed, under the circumstances, to create hot blood, and to excuse an assault made in retort or redress.
  4. 4.An appeal to a court. Note: [A Latinism] [Obs.] Ayliffe.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

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