probable cause
noun Law.
reasonable ground for a belief, as, in a criminal case, that the accused was guilty of the crime, or, in a civil case, that grounds for the action existed: used especially as a defense to an action for malicious prosecution.
Origin of probable cause
First recorded in 1670–80
Words nearby probable cause
British Dictionary definitions for probable cause
probable cause
noun
law
reasonable grounds for holding a belief, esp such as will justify bringing legal proceedings against a person or will constitute a defence to a charge of malicious prosecution