Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - contingency

n. (pl. -ies) 1 a future event or circumstance regarded as likely to occur, or as influencing present action. 2 something dependent on another uncertain event or occurrence. 3 uncertainty of occurrence. 4 a one thing incident to another. b an incidental expense etc. Phrases and idioms contingency fund a fund to cover incidental or unforeseen expenses. Etymology: earlier contingence f. LL contingentia (as CONTINGENT)