Contingent

a. [Lat. contingens, p. pr. of contingere, to touch on all sides, to happen; Fr. contingent, It. & Sp. contingente.]

1Sense 1. Possible, or liable, but not certain, to occur; incidental; casual; as, to set such and such a contingent event as a sign to himself. Trench.

2Sense 2. Dependent on that which is undetermined or unknown; — often with upon or on.

It would puzzle the greatest philosopher that ever was, to give any tolerable account, how any knowledge whatsoever, can certainly and infallibly foresee an event through uncertain and contingent causes. Tillotson.

3Sense 3. (Law.) Dependent for effect on something that may or may not occur; as, a contingent estate; contingent use.

Synonyms— Accidental; incidental; casual; fortuitous. See ACCIDENTAL.

n. 1. An event which is possible, or liable, but not certain, to occur; that which is unforeseen, undetermined, or dependent on something future; a contingency.

His understanding could almost pierce into future contingents. South.

2Sense 2. That which falls to one in a division or apportionment among a number; a quota; a suitable share; proportion; as, each prince furnishes his contingent of men, money, and munitions.