Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Enclosed in a case or container: Describes something that is placed inside a protective or enclosing structure, such as a box, shell, or covering.
   • Covered or protected with, or as if with, a case: Describes something that has a layer or shell over it for protection, often making a comparison to being in a case.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The delicate instruments were carefully cased for shipping. (The instruments were placed inside protective boxes for transport.)
  • The old book was cased in a beautiful leather binding. (The book was covered with a protective leather cover.)
  • The knight appeared, cased in gleaming steel armor. (The knight was covered and protected by his steel armor, as if in a metal shell.)

Advanced Usage

• "Cased in": A common construction to specify the material or substance forming the protective covering.
  • The artifact was cased in a transparent resin for preservation. (The artifact was enclosed and protected by a layer of clear resin.)
• "Cased up": Can imply something is fully enclosed and sealed within its case, often for storage or security.
  • After the performance, the violins were cased up and locked away. (The violins were placed and secured inside their cases.)

Variants and Related Words

• Case (noun): A container or protective covering.
  • She put her glasses in their case.
• Case (verb): To enclose in or cover with a case.
  • They will case the machinery before moving it.
• Encased (adjective): A synonym, often used interchangeably with "cased," meaning completely enclosed or covered.
  • The fossil was encased in rock.

Synonyms

• Encased: Enclosed or covered completely.
• Boxed: Placed in a box.
• Housed: Placed in a protective structure or container.
• Sheathed: Enclosed in a close-fitting cover.

Related Phrases

• To case something: (Verb phrase) To place something into a case.
  • Please case the microscope after use. (Please put the microscope into its protective case after you are done.)
• Hard-cased / Soft-cased: Compound adjectives describing the type of case.
  • A hard-cased suitcase is more durable. (A suitcase with a rigid shell is more durable.)

Related Idioms

• Cased like a nut: (Figurative) Describes something that is very well protected or hard to get into.
  • The new smartphone is cased like a nut, making it very water-resistant. (The phone is very securely enclosed, making it resistant to water.)

Adjective

1. enclosed in a case
2. covered or protected with or as if with a case
   • knights cased in steel
   • products encased in leatherette