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Webster 1913 Edition
Contingency
Con-tin′gen-cy
,Noun.
pl.
. Contingencies
(#)
[Cf. F.
contingence
.] 1.
Union or connection; the state of touching or contact.
“Point of contingency.” J. Gregory.
2.
The quality or state of being contingent or casual; the possibility of coming to pass.
Aristotle says we are not to build certain rules on the
contingency
of human actions. South.
3.
An event which may or may not occur; that which is possible or probable; a fortuitous event; a chance.
The remarkable position of the queen rendering her death a most important
contingency
. Hallam.
4.
An adjunct or accessory.
Wordsworth.
Syn. – Casualty; accident; chance.
Webster 1828 Edition
Contingency
CONTINGENCE
, CONTINGENCY,Noun.
1.
The quality of being contingent or casual; a happening; or the possibility of coming to pass.We are not to build certain rules on the contingency of human actions.
2.
Casualty; accident; fortuitous event. The success of the attempt will depend on contingencies. [See Accident and Casualty.]