Cas"u*al*ty (?), n.; pl. Casualties (#). [F. casualit'e, LL. casualitas.]

1.

That which comes without design or without being foreseen; contingency.

Losses that befall them by mere casualty. Sir W. Raleigh.

2.

Any injury of the body from accident; hence, death, or other misfortune, occasioned by an accident; as, an unhappy casualty.

3. pl. Mil. & Naval

Numerical loss caused by death, wounds, discharge, or desertion.

Casualty ward, A ward in a hospital devoted to the treatment of injuries received by accident.

Syn. -- Accident; contingency; fortuity; misfortune.

 

© Webster 1913.

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