from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Consequence \Con"se*quence\, n. [L., consequentia: cf. F.
cons['e]quence. See {Consequent}.]
1. That which follows something on which it depends; that
which is produced by a cause; a result.
[1913 Webster]
Shun to taste,
And shun the bitter consequence. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Logic) A proposition collected from the agreement of
other previous propositions; any conclusion which results
from reason or argument; inference.
[1913 Webster]
3. Chain of causes and effects; consecution.
[1913 Webster]
Such fatal consequence unites us three. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
Link follows link by necessary consequence.
--Coleridge.
[1913 Webster]
4. Importance with respect to what comes after; power to
influence or produce an effect; value; moment; rank;
distinction.
[1913 Webster]
It is a matter of small consequence. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
A sense of your own worth and consequence. --Cowper.
[1913 Webster]
{In consequence}, hence; for this cause.
{In consequence of}, by reason of; as the effect of.
Syn: Effect; result; end. See {Effect}.
[1913 Webster]