tʃɑ:ns n.,
adj., & v. --n. 1 a a
possibility (just a chance we will
catch the train). b (often in pl.)
probability (the chances are
against it). 2 a
risk (have to
take a chance). 3 a an
undesigned occurrence (just a chance
that they met). b the
absence of
design or discoverable
cause (here merely
because of chance). 4 an
opportunity (didn't
have a chance to
speak to him). 5 the
way things
happen;
fortune;
luck (we'll
just leave it to chance). 6 (often Chance) the
course of events regarded as a
power;
fate (blind Chance rules the universe). 7 Cricket an opportunity
for dismissing a
batsman. --adj.
fortuitous,
accidental (a chance meeting). --v. 1 tr. colloq. risk (we'll chance it
and go). 2 intr. (often foll. by that +
clause, or to + infin.) happen
without intention (it chanced that I found
it; I chanced to
find it). øby
any chance as it happens;
perhaps. by chance without design; unintentionally. chance one's arm
make an
attempt though unlikely to
succeed. chance on (or upon) happen to find, meet, etc. game of chance a game
decided by luck,
not skill. the
off chance the
slight possibility. on the chance (often foll. by
of, or that + clause) in
view of the possibility.
stand a chance have a
prospect of
success etc. take a chance (or chances)
behave riskily; risk
failure. take a (or one's) chance on (or with)
consent to take the consequences of;
trust to luck. [ME f. AF ch(e)aunce, OF chêance chêoir
fall ult. f. L cadere]
