casus belli
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ca·sus bel·li

noun \ˈkä-səs-ˈbe-ˌlē, ˈkā-səs-ˈbe-ˌlī\
plural ca·sus belli \ˈkä-ˌsüs-, ˈkā-ˌsüs-\

Definition of CASUS BELLI

: an event or action that justifies or allegedly justifies a war or conflict

Origin of CASUS BELLI

New Latin, occasion of war
First Known Use: circa 1841

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