n.; pl. Contingencies /plu>. [ Cf. F. contingence. ] 1. Union or connection; the state of touching or contact. “Point of contingency.” J. Gregory. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The quality or state of being contingent or casual; the possibility of coming to pass. [ 1913 Webster ]
Aristotle says we are not to build certain rules on the contingency of human actions. South. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. An event which may or may not occur; that which is possible or probable; a fortuitous event; a chance. [ 1913 Webster ]
The remarkable position of the queen rendering her death a most important contingency. Hallam. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. An adjunct or accessory. Wordsworth. [ 1913 Webster ]
5. (Law) A certain possible event that may or may not happen, by which, when happening, some particular title may be affected.
Syn. -- Casualty; accident; chance. [ 1913 Webster ]