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Definitions for: Contingent [n] a gathering of persons representative of some larger group; "each nation sent a contingent of athletes to the Olympics"
[n] a temporary military unit; "the peace-keeping force includes one British contingent"
[adj] uncertain because of uncontrollable circumstances; "the results of confession were not contingent, they were certain"- George Eliot
[adj] determined by conditions or circumstances not yet established; "arms sales contingent on the approval of congress"
[adj] possible but not certain to occur; "they had to plan for contingent expenses"
Webster (1913) Definition: 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.
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
contingets. --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.
Synonyms: conditional, contingent on(p), dependant on(p), dependent on(p), depending on(p), detail, possible, uncertain
See Also: assemblage, force, gathering, military force, military group, military unit
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