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Webster 1913 Edition
Contingent
Con-tin′gent
,Adj.
1.
Possible, or liable, but not certain, to occur; incidental; casual.
Weighing so much actual crime against so much
contingent
advantage. Burke.
2.
Dependent on that which is undetermined or unknown;
“Uncertain and contingent causes.” as, the success of his undertaking is
. contingent
upon events which he can not controlTillotson.
3.
(Law)
Dependent for effect on something that may or may not occur;
as, a
. contingent
estateIf a
contingent
legacy be left to any one when he attains, or if he attains, the age of twenty-one. Blackstone.
Con-tin′gent
,Noun.
1.
An event which may or may not happen; that which is unforeseen, undetermined, or dependent on something future; a contingency.
His understanding could almost pierce into future
contingents
. South.
2.
That which falls to one in a division or apportionment among a number; a suitable share; proportion; esp., a quota of troops.
From the Alps to the border of Flanders,
contingents
were required . . . 200,000 men were in arms. Milman.
Webster 1828 Edition
Contingent
CONTINGENT
,Adj.
1.
Falling or coming by chance, that is, without design or expectation on our part; accidental; casual. On our part, we speak of chance or contingencies; but with an infinite being, nothing can be contingent.2.
In law, depending on an uncertainty; as a contingent remainder.CONTINGENT
,Noun.
1.
A fortuitous event; that which comes without our design, foresight or expectation.2.
That which falls to one in a division or apportionment among a number; a quota; an equal or suitable share; proportion. Each prince furnishes his contingent of men, money and munitions.