a. [ L. constringens, p. pr. ] Having the quality of contracting, binding, or compressing. Thomson. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. ] 1. 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 ]

2. 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 ]

3. (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 ]

n. 1. 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 ]

2. 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 ]

adv. In a contingent manner; without design or foresight; accidentally. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The state of being contingent; fortuitousness. [ 1913 Webster ]