from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Fortuitous \For*tu"i*tous\, a. [L. fortuitus; akin to forte,
adv., by chance, prop. abl. of fors, fortis, chance. See
{Fortune}.]
1. Happening by chance; coming or occuring unexpectedly, or
without any known cause; chance; as, the fortuitous
concourse of atoms.
[1913 Webster]
It was from causes seemingly fortuitous . . . that
all the mighty effects of the Reformation flowed.
--Robertson.
[1913 Webster]
So as to throw a glancing and fortuitous light upon
the whole. --Hazlitt.
[1913 Webster]
2. (LAw) Happening independently of human will or means of
foresight; resulting from unavoidable physical causes.
--Abbott.
Syn: Accidental; casual; contingent; incidental. See
{Accidental}. -- {For*tu"i*tous*ly}, adv. --
{For*tu"i*tous*ness}, n.
[1913 Webster]