Con*tin"gent, n. 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.
Con*tin"gent (?), 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.
Weighing so much actual crime against so much
contingent advantage.
Burke.
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.
3. (Law) Dependent for effect on
something that may or may not occur; as, a contingent
estate.
If a contingent legacy be left to any one
when he attains, or if he attains, the age of twenty-one.
Blackstone.