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.
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            Shun to taste,
            And shun the bitter consequence.      --Milton.
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   2. (Logic) A proposition collected from the agreement of
      other previous propositions; any conclusion which results
      from reason or argument; inference.
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   3. Chain of causes and effects; consecution.
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            Such fatal consequence unites us three. --Milton.
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            Link follows link by necessary consequence.
                                                  --Coleridge.
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   4. Importance with respect to what comes after; power to
      influence or produce an effect; value; moment; rank;
      distinction.
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            It is a matter of small consequence.  --Shak.
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            A sense of your own worth and consequence. --Cowper.
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   In consequence, hence; for this cause.

   In consequence of, by reason of; as the effect of.

   Syn: Effect; result; end. See Effect.
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