Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CON'TRA-RY, n.

1. A thing that is contrary or of opposite qualities. No contraries hold more antipathy, / Than I and such a knave. – Shak.
2. A proposition contrary to another, or a fact contrary to what is alledged; as, this is slated to be a fact, but I will endeavor to show the contrary. On the contrary, in opposition; on the other side. – Swift. To the contrary, to an opposite purpose, or fact; as, he said it was just, but I told him to the contrary. They did it, not for want of instruction to the contrary. – Stillingfleet.