(n.) A supposed material or psychical agent or mode of activity
other than a force, law, or purpose; fortune; fate; -- in this sense
often personified.
(n.) The operation or activity of such agent.
(n.) The supposed effect of such an agent; something that
befalls, as the result of unknown or unconsidered forces; the issue of
uncertain conditions; an event not calculated upon; an unexpected
occurrence; a happening; accident; fortuity; casualty.
(n.) A possibility; a likelihood; an opportunity; -- with
reference to a doubtful result; as, a chance to escape; a chance for
life; the chances are all against him.
(n.) Probability.
(v. i.) To happen, come, or arrive, without design or
expectation.
(v. t.) To take the chances of; to venture upon; -- usually with
it as object.
(v. t.) To befall; to happen to.
(a.) Happening by chance; casual.
(adv.) By chance; perchance.