Contrary \Con"tra*ry\, n.; pl. Contraries.

1. A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.

No contraries hold more antipathy Than I and such a knave. --Shak.

2. An opponent; an enemy. [Obs.]

--Chaucer.

3. the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather

1. --Locke.

4. (Logic) See Contraries.

On the contrary, in opposition; on the other hand. --Swift.

To the contrary, to an opposite purpose or intent; on the other side. ``They did it, not for want of instruction to the contrary.'' --Bp. Stillingfleet.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Contrary \Con"tra*ry\ (? or ?; 48), a. [OE. contrarie, contraire, F. contraire, fr. L. contrarius, fr. contra. See Contra-.]

1. Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse; as, contrary winds.

And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me. --Lev. xxvi. 21.

We have lost our labor; they are gone a contrary way. --Shak.

2. Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent.

Fame, if not double-faced, is double mouthed, And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds. --Milton.

The doctrine of the earth's motion appeared to be contrary to the sacred Scripture. --Whewell.

3. Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child.

4. (Logic) Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions.

Contrary motion (Mus.), the progression of parts in opposite directions, one ascending, the other descending.

Syn: Adverse; repugnant; hostile; inimical; discordant; inconsistent.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)