Chance-medley (?), n. [Chance + medley.] 1. (Law) The killing of another in self-defense upon a sudden and unpremeditated encounter. See Chaud-Medley.[1913 Webster]
&hand_; 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]