2. in case of;
in the event of. If there should happen to be. For example,
Here is a number to call in case of an emergency, or
In the event of a power failure, we'll have to shift our plans. Similarly,
in that case means "if that should happen," as in
You're alone in the store? In that case I'll bring your lunch. The first usage dates from the early 1700s, the second (with
event) from about 1600, and the third from the mid-1800s. Also see
in any case;
in no case;
in the case of.