Definition of contingents:
(n) :
An event which may or may not happen; that which is unforeseen, undetermined, or dependent on something in the future.
(adj) :
Possible or liable, but not certain, to occur.
(adj) :
(with upon or on) Dependent on something that is undetermined or unknown, that may or may not occur.
(adj) :
Temporary.
(n) :
That which falls to one in a division or apportionment among a number; a suitable share.
(n) :
(military) A quota of troops.