Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CHANCE, n. [Fr. chance; Norm. cheaunce; Arm. chançz; D. kans; G. schanze. This seems to be from the participle of the French verb cheoir, to fall, Sp. caer, from the L. cado, or directly from the Latin cadens, cadentia.]

1. An event that happens, falls out or takes place, without being contrived, intended, expected or foreseen; the effect of an unknown cause, or the unusual or unexpected effect of a known cause; accident; casualty; fortuitous event; as, time and chance happen to all. By chance a priest came down that way. – Luke x.
2. Fortune; what fortune may bring; as, they must take their chance.
3. An event, good or evil; success or misfortune; luck. – Shak.
4. Possibility of an occurrence; opportunity. Your ladyship may have a chance to escape this address. – Swift.