'Chance-medley' definitions:

Definition of 'chance-medley'

From: WordNet
noun
An unpremeditated killing of a human being in self defense

Definition of 'Chance-medley'

From: GCIDE
  • Chance-medley \Chance"-med`ley\, n. [Chance + medley.]
  • 1. (Law) The killing of another in self-defense upon a sudden and unpremeditated encounter. See Chaud-Medley. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: The term has been sometimes applied to any kind of homicide by misadventure, or to any accidental killing of a person without premeditation or evil intent, but, in strictness, is applicable to such killing as happens in defending one's self against assault. --Bouvier. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Luck; chance; accident. --Milton. --Cowper. [1913 Webster]