(a.) Happening by chance; casual.
(adv.) By chance; perchance.
(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.) 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.) Probability.
(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.
(v. i.) To happen, come, or arrive, without design or expectation.
(v. t.) To befall; to happen to.
(v. t.) To take the chances of; to venture upon; -- usually with it as object.