GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Contingent , a. [L. contingens, -entis, p. pr. of contingere to touch on all sides, to happen; con- + tangere to touch: cf. F. contingent. See Tangent, Tact.]
   Possible, or liable, but not certain, to occur; incidental; casual.
   1913 Webster
   Weighing so much actual crime against so much contingent advantage.
   Burke.
   
   1913 Webster
   Dependent on that which is undetermined or unknown; as, the success of his undertaking is contingent upon events which he can not control. “Uncertain and contingent causes.” 
   Tillotson.
   
   1913 Webster
   (Law) Dependent for effect on something that may or may not occur; as, a contingent estate.
   1913 Webster
   If a contingent legacy be left to any one when he attains, or if he attains, the age of twenty-one.
   Blackstone.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Contingent, n.
   An event which may or may not happen; that which is unforeseen, undetermined, or dependent on something future; a contingency.
   1913 Webster
   His understanding could almost pierce into future contingents.
   South.
   
   1913 Webster
   That which falls to one in a division or apportionment among a number; a suitable share; proportion; esp., a quota of troops.
   1913 Webster
   From the Alps to the border of Flanders, contingents were required . . . 200,000 men were in arms.
   Milman.
   
   1913 Webster