contingence

CONTINGENCE, CONTINGENCY, n. [L., to fall or happen to; to touch. See Touch.]

1. The quality of being contingent or casual; a happening; or the possibility of coming to pass.

We are not to build certain rules on the contingency of human actions.

2. Casualty; accident; fortuitous event. The success of the attempt will depend on contingencies. [See Accident and Casualty.]