Contingency \Con*tin"gen*cy\, n.; 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.

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)