Middle English Dictionary Entry
continǧence n.
Entry Info
| Forms | continǧence n. |
| Etymology | OF, & ML contingentia. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Dependence on circumstances, contingency; also, the assumption that the occurrence (of a certain event) is dependent upon circumstances.
Associated quotations
- a1500 Chartier Treat.Hope (Rwl A.338)120/24 : Chaungeablenesse of thingis chaungith not His science, nor strenghth not their contingence [Fr. (Rouy 169/271): contingence], for the being of them is of them, thing chaungeable in them and by them; and the science which He hath of them is in Him, and by Him stablely necessary.
- 1532-1897(c1385) Usk TL (Thynne:Skeat)82/181 : Trewly, next the ende of sorowe anon entreth joy; by maner of necessite it wol ne may non other betyde; and so thy conti[n]gence is disproved.