Chance

1. 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. The operation or activity of such agent.
3. 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. 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. (Math.) Probability.
Chance comer ,
one who comes unexpectedly.
The last chance ,
the sole remaining ground of hope.
The main chance ,
the chief opportunity; that upon which reliance is had, esp. self-interest.
Theory of chances, Doctrine of chances (Math.),
that branch of mathematics which treats of the probability of the occurrence of particular events, as the fall of dice in given positions.
To mind one's chances ,
to take advantage of every circumstance; to seize every opportunity.

1. To happen, come, or arrive, without design or expectation.
   

Often used impersonally; as, how chances it?
v. t.

1. To take the chances of; to venture upon; -- usually with it as object.
2. To befall; to happen to.

1. Happening by chance; casual.
   

1. By chance; perchance.