1. (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.

2. (n.) The operation or activity of such agent.

3. (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.

4. (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.

5. (n.) Probability.

6. (v. i.) To happen, come, or arrive, without design or expectation.

7. (v. t.) To take the chances of; to venture upon; -- usually with it as object.

8. (v. t.) To befall; to happen to.

9. (a.) Happening by chance; casual.

10. (adv.) By chance; perchance.

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