■ noun
1》 a result or effect.
2》 [usu. with negative ] importance or relevance.
↘ dated social distinction.
3》 ( ~s ) [treated as sing. ] a game in which a narrative is made up by the players in turn, each ignorant of what has already been contributed.
Phrases
in ~ as a result.
take (or bear ) the ~s accept responsibility for negative results or effects.
Origin
ME: via OFr. from L. consequentia , from consequent- , consequi 'follow closely'.