adj. & n.
adj. 1 (usu. foll. by on, upon) conditional, dependent (on an uncertain event or circumstance). 2 associated. 3 (usu. foll. by to) incidental. 4 a that may or may not occur. b fortuitous; occurring by chance. 5 true only under existing or specified conditions.
n. a body (esp. of troops, ships, etc.) forming part of a larger group. contingently adv.
[ L contingere (as COM-, tangere touch) ]