Chapter Contracted to Contrary of C by Webster's Dictionary (1913 Edition)

3. Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child.

4. (Logic) Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions.

Contrary motion (Mus.), the progression of parts in opposite directions, one ascending, the other descending.

Syn. — Adverse; repugnant; hostile; inimical; discordant; inconsistent.

Contrary
(Con"tra*ry), n.; pl. Contraries

1. A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.

No contraries hold more antipathy
Than I and such a knave.
Shak.

2. An opponent; an enemy. [Obs.] Chaucer.

3. the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather show the contrary. See Converse, n., 1. Locke.

4. (Logic) See Contraries.

On the contrary, in opposition; on the other hand. Swift. — To the contrary, to an opposite purpose or intent; on the other side. "They did it, not for want of instruction to the contrary." Bp. Stillingfleet.

Contrary
(Con"tra*ry), v. t. [F. contrarier. See Contrary, a.] To contradict or oppose; to thwart. [Obs.]

I was advised not to contrary the king.
Bp. Latimer.