chance-medley Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an unpremeditated killing of a human being in self defense

WordNet

Chance"-med`ley noun
Etymology
Chance + medley.
Definitions
  1. (Law) The kiling of another in self-defense upon a sudden and unpremeditated encounter. See Chaud-Medley. ✍ 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.
  2. Luck; chance; accident. Milton. Cowper.

Webster 1913