nominative case

noun2

1. •
   The case used to indicate the subject—or agent—of a finite verb.
2. •
   (no longer used) The subject of a verb.

   • Every Verb, except in the Infinitive or the Participle, hath its Nominative Case, either expressed or implied [4]: as, "Awake, arise, or be for ever fall'n: that is, "Awake ye, &c." — 1763