consequence

CONSEQUENCE, noun [Latin , to follow. See Seek.] 1. That which follows from any act, cause, principle, or series of actions. Hence, an event or effect produced by some preceding act or cause. Shun the bitter consequence; for know, the day thou eatest thereof, thou shalt die. The consequences of intemperance are disgrace, poverty, disease and premature death. 2. In logic, a proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; the conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference; deduction. Every rational being is accountable to his maker; man is a rational being; the consequence then must be, that man is accountable to his maker. From this train of argument, the consequence is obvious. 3. Connection of cause and effect; consecution. I felt that I must after thee, with this my son; such fatal consequence unites us three. 4. Influence; tendency, as to effects. The sense of consequence in this use, is modified by the words connected with it; as, it is of little consequence that is, of little importance, small effects will follow; it is of no consequence of no moment, no effect of importance will follow; it is of great consequence of great importance, great effects will follow. 5. Importance; extensive influence; distinction; as a man of great consequence in society. In consequence by means of; as the effect of.