'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]