(1):

(n.) Incitement; stimulus; as, provocation to mirth.

(2):

(n.) The act of provoking, or causing vexation or, anger.

(3):

(n.) An appeal to a court. [A Latinism]

(4):

(n.) That which provokes, or excites anger; the cause of resentment; as, to give provocation.

(5):

(n.) Such prior insult or injury as may be supposed, under the circumstances, to create hot blood, and to excuse an assault made in retort or redress.