Case (kās), n. [OF. casse, F. caisse (cf. It. cassa), fr. L. capsa chest, box, case, fr. capere to take, hold. See Capacious, and cf. 4th Chase, Cash, Enchase, 3d Sash.]
1. A box, sheath, or covering; as, a case for holding goods; a case for spectacles; the case of a watch; the case (capsule) of a cartridge; a case (cover) for a book.
2. A box and its contents; the quantity contained in a box; as, a case of goods; a case of instruments.
3. (Print.) A shallow tray divided into compartments or “boxes” for holding type.
☞ Cases for type are usually arranged in sets of two, called respectively the upper and the lower case. The upper case contains capitals, small capitals, accented and marked letters, fractions, and marks of reference: the lower case contains the small letters, figures, marks of punctuation, quadrats, and spaces.
4. An inclosing frame; a casing; as, a door case; a window case.
5. (Mining) A small fissure which admits water to the workings. Knight.