probable cause

probable cause (countable and uncountable, plural probable causes)

1. (countable) Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see probable,‎ cause.

   the probable cause of the accident

2. (US, law, uncountable) Reasonable grounds for making an arrest or conducting a personal or property search.

• burden of proof
• clear and convincing evidence
• preponderance of the evidence
• beyond a reasonable doubt

• “probable cause”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.
• “probable cause”, in Cambridge English Dictionary, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: Cambridge University Press, 1999–present.
• “probable cause” in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Longman.