CONTINGENT, adjective 1. Falling or coming by chance, that is, without design or expectation on our part; accidental; casual. On our part, we speak of chance or contingencies; but with an infinite being, nothing can be contingent 2. In law, depending on an uncertainty; as a contingent remainder. CONTINGENT, noun 1. A fortuitous event; that which comes without our design, foresight or expectation. 2. That which falls to one in a division or apportionment among a number; a quota; an equal or suitable share; proportion. Each prince furnishes his contingent of men, money and munitions.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI